Watermelon in its solid state is so loaded with water and sugar that it is little more than a beverage waiting to be released from captivity. This tangy, refreshing drink is the fulfillment of that promise. The addition of a little vinegar does much to expand the aroma of the watermelon, which is barely perceptible when you’re eating the fruit. Mint and watermelon are natural BFFs. If you were unaware of that relationship before tasting this recipe, afterward you will try never to serve a slice of watermelon without a mint sprig somewhere nearby.

　　

Ingredients

Enough for 4 servings

　　

Watermelon Purée

Big chunk of watermelon, about 1 pound, rind removed, cut into chunks

　　1/4 cup agave syrup or simple syrup

　　1/4 cup finely chopped fresh mint leaves

　　2 tablespoons white wine vinegar

　　

Step 1

Combine the watermelon, syrup, mint, and vinegar in a blender or food processor, and purée until smooth (though there still may be watermelon seeds and shards of mint floating around).

　　

Step 2

Pour the mixture into a strainer set over a small bowl to remove the solid pieces. Gently lift and stir the mixture to help the liquid pass through, without forcing any solids through the strainer.

　　Cooks' Note

　　To Mix with Seltzer:

　　3/4 cup watermelon purée

　　3/4 cup seltzer

　　Mint sprigs (optional)

　　1 serving

　　Combine the purée and seltzer in a tall glass, and stir just enough to combine. Fill the glass with ice and serve, garnished with mint sprigs, if using.

　　From Homemade Soda: 200 Recipes for Making and Using Fruit Sodas and Fizzy Juices, Sparkling Waters, Root Beers and Cola Brews, Herbal and Healing Waters, Sparkling Teas and Coffees, Shrubs and Switchels, Cream Sodas and Floats, and Other Carbonated Concoctions by Andrew Schloss. Copyright © 2011 by Andrew Schloss; photography by © Aran Goyoga. Published by Storey Publishing.