"Sweet juicy watermelon, lime and fresh mint create the perfect summer cocktail while entertaining friends at the next tailgate or backyard barbecue."
6 cups watermelon, cubed and seeded
1 cup simple syrup
50 fresh mint leaves
¾ cup fresh lime juice (about 5 limes)
1 cup white rum
1–3 cups lemon/lime soda, chilled
Make the simple syrup by adding a cup of sugar to a cup of boiling water and stirring until dissolved. While it cools, blend the watermelon pieces until pureed. Strain to remove the pulp, if you prefer, but it’s the really tasty part. Measure out 2 cups of the juice. Drop the mint leaves in the bottom of a large pitcher, pour just a little of the watermelon juice in to add moisture, and gently muddle the mint a few times to release that refreshing mint flavor. Don’t pulverize it. Pour in the rest of the watermelon juice, lime juice, simple syrup and rum. Stir. Now add ice to the pitcher (or use additional watermelon juice to make flavored ice cubes or an ice ring to keep the flavor strong). Add the bubbly soda to top off the jug or to taste and serve.