Step by step

Method

5 steps

1. 1

   Cube about 4 cups seedless watermelon. Finely chop 2 cups of it and set aside for texture in the pitcher.

2. 2

   Blend the remaining 2 cups watermelon until completely smooth, 20–30 seconds. Pour through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher, pressing on the pulp; discard the solids (or skip straining if you like it pulpy).

3. 3

   Stir in 4 cups cold water, 2–4 tablespoons sugar, and 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice until the sugar dissolves — no grit on the bottom.

4. 4

   Fold in the chopped watermelon. Cover and chill at least 1 hour so it tastes cold and the lime settles in.

5. 5

   Serve over ice with watermelon wedges or lime slices. Stir before each pour — fruit settles. You want a cold, light watermelon drink that tastes like fruit and lime — not watery pink ice water or a glass of pulpy sludge that won't pour.