Watermelon Simple Syrup
1 1/2 cup diced watermelon
1 cup cold water
1 cup granulated maple sugar
5 Basil leaves
Watermelon Lemonade
6 heaping cups diced watermelon
4 cups cold water
1 cup lemon juice
Watermelon simple syrup
@¼ cup Wood’s maple syrup - added sweeter
seltzer water
Ice
Instructions
Make the simple syrup:
In a small saucepan combine the watermelon, cold water, basil leaves, and Wood’s maple sugar. Stir to combine, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium/low and cook until the mixture is slightly syrupy and the watermelon pieces have somewhat softened, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat, strain over a small bowl, pressing on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids and set the liquid aside to cool.
Make the watermelon lemonade:
Combine the cold water and diced watermelon in a blender and puree until smooth. You can also use a hand blender, combining the watermelon and water in a large bowl, then puree until smooth. Strain the watermelon mixture into a large bowl, pressing on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids. Add the lemon juice, simple syrup, and additional maple syrup, if using. Stir to combine and adjust the flavors as needed.
Add ice to a mason jar, about 6 oz of watermelon lemonade, and top with seltzer water, garnish with a fresh basil leaf.
Enjoy!
Makes about 7 pints of lemonade.
Adult Version - add 1 jigger of your favorite spirit and Ice to a shake, add Watermelon lemonade, shake, strain into a
ice-filled mason jar.