Watermelon-Mint Coolers

By sandiB2010

Oversize drink holders let guests fill their glasses on their own, easing your job as party host. Our watermelon cooler is a vibrant party sipper -- just pour into a jug, provide glasses, and keep them chilled in a large ice-filled cooler.

Ingredients

• 3 1/4 pounds seedless watermelon, chopped (5 cups)
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
• 3/4 teaspoon aromatic bitters
• 4 cups ginger ale, chilled
• Mint sprigs

Preparation

Step 1

Directions

In a blender container place watermelon; puree until smooth. In a small heatproof bowl, use a wooden spoon to mash mint leaves and 1/4 cup of the sugar; add 1/4 cup of the water. Microwave on high until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer mint leaves to blender, leaving sugar in bowl. Blend until chopped.

To bowl of sugar mixture add the remaining 1/4 cup sugar and 1/4 cup water. Microwave until sugar dissolves into a syrup, 1 to 2 minutes. Cover and chill.

To serve, strain watermelon mixture into an ice-filled pitcher or jar. Stir in syrup, lime juice, and bitters. Divide watermelon mixture among ice-filled glasses; top with ginger ale. garnish with mint sprigs.

Alcoholic version:

Add 2 cups white rum with the mint before chilling for 8 hours. Add club soda or sparkling water in place of ginger ale.