Watermelon juice with muddled mint

A refreshing taste of summer!

I’m often looking for refreshing drinks to beat the heat and this juice – whether consumed ‘as is’ or spiked with your favourite spirits – is the perfect thing. Because watermelon is so naturally sweet, there’s no need for added sugar (which, of course, makes me wonder why commercially-prepared watermelon juice does contain so much sugar…perhaps because it’s only made with a small amount of ‘real’ juice?) Don’t be too startled by the addition of a pinch of salt – it actually helps make the watermelon taste even sweeter! You don’t even need a juicer to make this – a blender or even a food processor works well too. Watermelon and basil is another fantastic combination if you want to mix things up. And if you love watermelon as much as I do, you might also enjoy this smoked watermelon margarita.

Ingredients

• 8 cups (2 L) cubed watermelon (rind removed)
• 2 cups (500 mL) fresh mint leaves, stems removed
• pinch salt
• Additional sprigs mint, to garnish

Method

• Juice watermelon in an electric juicer. Alternatively, pulse the watermelon a few cups at a time in a blender and pass through a sieve or cheesecloth to remove seeds and large bits of pulp.
• Place the watermelon juice in a large bowl. Add mint leaves and salt then use a muddler, wooden spoon or silicone spatula to crush the mint in the juice and infuse the juice with flavour.
• Strain the mixture by passing through a sieve. Chill until ready to serve.
• Serve juice in chilled glasses, garnished with a sprig of mint.

Serves 4 – 6 depending upon size of glasses; recipe can easily be multiplied.