Watermelon Cooler - Recipes of New York Chefs

Tastes of Summer (2003)

See Also
Drinks
  Watermelon Cooler

The Chef
Debra Ponzek and Geralyn Delaney Graham of The Summer House Cookbook (Clarkson N. Potter, Inc.; $30)

Servings
Serves 6

Ingredients
5 pounds seedless watermelon (about 1⁄2 medium melon)
16 ounces lemonade, homemade or high-quality prepared
12 ounces tequila (vodka or rum can be substituted)

Garnish: Watermelon wedges

Instructions
Cut the watermelon flesh into chunks, and, working in batches, purée in a blender until liquefied. Strain through a fine sieve to remove the pulp; you should have about 4 cups of juice. Combine the watermelon juice, lemonade, and tequila in a 2-quart pitcher. Pour into tall glasses filled with ice, and garnish with a melon wedge. (Without the alcohol, this makes a great children’s drink.)