Watermelon Sangria

Try this juicy, refreshing sangria made right inside the watermelon!  Perfect for a summer party, this sangria recipe highlights the freshness of watermelon in it's prime, and makes a great centerpiece.  White wine and lime add the zing to this sweet, tasty drink.  Plus making it is so fun, you'll be asking for a reason to make some more!  You'll need a stick blender if you want to be super popular and serve it in the watermelon.  Otherwise, you can cube the watermelon and use a blender to serve it in a pitcher.

Ingredients:

• One small (or supersize it and double the recipe!) seedless watermelon
• 1 1/2 cups dry or zesty white wine 
• 1 ounce rum
• 2 ounces orange liqueur
• 2 ounces simple syrup
• 1 lime
• 1 cup soda water or seltzer (you could use tonic and skip the simple syrup!)

Directions:

• If your melon is wobbly, try slicing off a very thin layer from one end so it will stand upright.  Place melon in a bowl to prevent tipping and spillage.  Yeah, I learned that the hard way (see picture 3).
• Cut a small hole in the top of your watermelon, large enough to accomodate your stick blender.
• Blend the watermelon into juice while scraping down the sides of the watermelon with the stick blender.  This is definitely the funnest part and potentially the messiest.
• Remove 2 cups of liquid from the melon (serve this to the non-drinkers in your party, or give my Watermelon Mint Julep recipe a try!)
• Add the wine, rum, orange liqueur, simple syrup and juice from one lime.  
• Stir gently.
• Place the lid back on the watermelon and refrigerate for 2-4 hours.
• Serve over ice and top with soda water.  A fresh sprig of mint or slice of lime makes the perfect garnish.

Enjoy!