Watermelon Coolers

By courtneyepowell

Ingredients

• 3/4 c sugar
• 3/4 c water
• 1 c fresh lime juice
• 3 c white rum
• 4 c seedless watermelon chunks (1/4 of a watermelon)
• 8 c crushed ice
• Watermelon spears and mint sprigs for garnish

Preparation

Step 1

1. In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Bring to a simmer over moderate heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let cool.
2. In a blender, combine half of the sugar syrup with half of the lime juice, rum and watermelon chunks and blend until combined. Add half of the ice and blend until smooth, then pour into a large pitcher. Repeat with the remaining ingredients. Serve in chilled glasses, garnished with watermelon spears and topped with mint sprigs.
Make ahead: The watermelon mixture can be blended earlier in the day and refigerated. Blend with ice just before serving.