1. Look for a good quality melon with firm, not water-soaked, mealy flesh. Cut the watermelon chunks into 1-inch pieces. Puree the watermelon in batches in a blender or food processor, and pour into a pitcher when smooth.

COOKING TOOLS

2. Combine the boiling water, sugar and mint leaves in a small bowl and stir until the sugar is dissolved. If the melon is not real sweet, you can add a little more sugar. Stir in the lemon or lime juice and set aside to cool at least 30 minutes. This also can be done the day before and kept in the fridge..

3. Pour the mint-sugar mixture through a sieve into the pitcher with the pureed watermelon, and press the leaves with a wooden spoon to extract all the liquid. Discard the mint leaves.

4. Stir the watermelon puree until smooth and blended. If the mixture is real thick, add a little more water until the cooler is of a drinkable consistency.

5. Pour the drink into tall chilled glasses over ice cubes, and decorate with mint leaves.

Recipe courtesy of Joyce White.