Active Time

　　30 min

　　Total Time

　　30 min

　　You would be hard-pressed to find something more refreshing than watermelon. This cooler is easy to make, beautiful to behold, and not too sweet. You'll want a pitcher of it in the refrigerator all summer.

Ingredients

　　1 (12-pound) watermelon (preferably seedless)

　　1/4 cup sugar, divided

　　4 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, divided

　　16 cups ice cubes, divided

Garnish:

　　Cut watermelon flesh into 2-inch chunks and discard rind. Purée one fourth of watermelon in a blender with 1 Tbsp sugar, 1 tsp lemon juice, 4 cups ice, and a pinch of salt. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl, discarding solids. Make 3 more batches. Add sugar to taste if desired and serve over ice.

　　Cooks' note:

　　Watermelonade can be made 1 day ahead and chilled, covered. Drink will separate; re-blend before serving.