Watermelon Refresco

Photo: flickr user Guillermо

Ingredients

1 small Icebox watermelon, cut into chunks and seeded

cup Simple syrup, see NOTE

2 tablespoons Fresh lime juice

1 cup Vodka, optional

1 cup Sugar

cup Water

Preparation

Place pieces of watermelon in food processor and process in batches until liquid. (Pulsing the machine helps to liquefy all the pieces.) After all the watermelon is processed, you may want to remove any large remaining pieces with a slotted spoon - but don't strain away all the texture, as it is part of the drink's charm.

Stir in the simple syrup and lime juice.

Stir in vodka, if desired.

Serve over ice.

NOTE: To make simple syrup, dissolve 1 cup sugar in 1/2 cup water and bring to a boil. Simmer over low heat for 1 to 2 minutes. Let cool before using; refrigerate leftover syrup.