WATERMELON LEMONADE



7 cups 2-inch pieces peeled, seeded watermelon (from about 4 pounds)
1 cup simple syrup (recipe below)
1 cup fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons grenadine
1 cup gin (optional)
3 cups ice cubes
Optional garnish: lemon twists

1 Purée watermelon pieces in processor. Strain watermelon purée into large pitcher, pressing on solids in strainer to extract as much juice as possible. Discard any solids in strainer. Add simple syrup, lemon juice, and grenadine to pitcher; stir to blend. Stir in gin. (May be prepared 6 hours ahead. Refrigerate.)
2 Stir 3 cups ice cubes into watermelon lemonade. Pour into tall glasses. Garnish with lemon twists, if desired.

Yield: 6 servings

Bon Appetit

Simple Syrup:
2 cups sugar
2 cups water

1 Place the sugar and water in a pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer gently until the sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes. Cool syrup to room temperature. Use immediately or refrigerate indefinitely in a covered container until needed. Makes 2 1/2 cups