![Watermelon Limeade Recipe](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.foodandwine.com/thmb/9cAkcZyv2xXmI3rbf2kcMsAfzpA=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Watermelon-Limeade-FT-RECIPE0623-e64f7037068749feba6442f1bddb4b8f.jpg)
Matt Taylor-Gross / Food Styling by Barrett Washburne
This summery drink is just what we want to sip all summer long. Carla Hall blends fresh watermelon for the base of the drink — make sure to pick a ripe watermelon in season. Fresh lime juice is blended in to balance the sweetness of the watermelon, but a splash of simple syrup plays up the sweet melon. Taste the limeade and use more or less simple syrup as needed.
Hall adds seltzer water to this drink to lighten the texture and add a hint of carbonation. The seltzer water is optional; add it just when serving the drink, or offer it on the side if you aren’t sure your guests want it. This drink is at its best when it’s completely chilled; don’t skimp on the refrigeration time, and be sure to pour it over ice. And if you want to turn it into a cocktail, try stirring in 1 ounce of vodka for an adult version of this sweet seasonal drink.
Ingredients
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4 cups (about 1 pound, 9 ounces) cubed, peeled, seedless watermelon
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1/2 cup fresh lime juice (from 3 limes)
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1 teaspoon simple syrup, plus more to taste (see Note)
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Seltzer water (optional)
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4 lime wheels
Directions
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Place watermelon in a blender and blend until very smooth, about 1 minute. Add lime juice and blend. Transfer mixture to a large pitcher. Add 1 teaspoon simple syrup, taste; add more syrup to taste. Refrigerate until very cold, 2 to 4 hours (drink will separate while it sits).
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Fill 4 glasses with ice. Stir Watermelon Limeade and pour into ice-filled glasses. Top off with seltzer water, if desired. Garnish with lime wheels and serve.
Note
To make Simple Syrup, place sugar and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan. Stir over medium heat until sugar is dissolved, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a small jar or pitcher, cover, and refrigerate. (Simple Syrup can be made 2 weeks ahead. Keep refrigerated.)