Anyone who knows my dad knows that he loves watermelon. And I mean he LOVES it.
His love is such that you're pretty much guaranteed to find half a watermelon in my parents' refrigerator at all times during the summer months... and sometimes even into the fall months. In fact, I remember scouring all of the stores in my hometown one Christmas Eve, hoping that we might find a good looking watermelon to suprise my dad with the next morning! Such is the extent of his love of this sweet, refreshing fruit...
Growing up in a house like this, there's no way I could escape without acquiring at least a fond affection for this fruit.
The watermelon that I grew up eating was generally served in large, chilled slices that you could sink your teeth into. The first time I remember having it in juice form was actually when I was visiting the boyfriend in Thailand several years ago. We were sitting down to a nice dinner and when I saw watermelon juice on the menu, I knew I had to have it with my meal. It came as pure, blended watermelon sweetened with a little sugar and brightened with a hint of lime. And I can tell you that drinking this watermelon juice that night was every bit as satisfying as biting into a whole piece of this delicious fruit.
With the hot weather of recent, I've been thinking a lot about the cool, refreshing drinks I enjoyed when I was in Thailand. This watermelon juice is perhaps one of the simplest to make. It doesn't require fancy machinery or a lot of time - just a blender and some chilled watermelon. I added a bit of simple syrup (น้ำเชื่อม) and a squeeze of lime to recreate the wonderfully pure, almost smoothie-like watermelon juice I had in Thailand. I imagine it also be excellent with a splash of club soda and some fresh basil or mint.
I've enjoyed drinking this watermelon juice again now that it's officially summer in the Bay Area. And I'm looking forward to making it for my dad the next time I'm home... I have a feeling that he'll approve of this use of one of his favorite fruits.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups watermelon cubed and de-seeded
- 1 Tablespoon sugar
- 1 Tablespoon water
- 1 Tablespoon lime juice
Instructions
- Make a simple syrup by heating the sugar with the water until dissolved.
- Blend the watermelon cubes until they're liquified. Add the simple syrup and lime juice. Taste and adjust based on the sweetness of your watermelon.
- Chill the drink until it's refreshingly cold, then enjoy!
Lisa
Thank you so much.
My mother is thai and my dad is italian. When I used to go to Thailand to visit my mother, I remember, I was OBSESSED with the watermelon juice. Making this recipe of yours made me think about those happy times. I really appreciate. Thank you!!
Kelly
I wish I'd found this five minutes ago; just blended up fresh watermelon with ice cubes and a little sugar. It's nice, but not very flavourful. I think the lime would make it pop! Next time, and thanks =)
Rachel
I don't know what they use in the shakes... but I'd love to try next time I go back!
Eileen
Ha! My father-in-law is also obsessed with all kinds of melon, and will serve gigantic half cantaloupes for dessert every day if he gets the chance. I love the idea of watermelon juice--especially on super hot days!
Veena
so refreshing
Great-secret-of-life.blogspot.com
ally
this looks so thirst quenching & satisfying!
xo
http://allykayler.blogspot.ca/
Melanie Flinn
This looks so refreshing. I bought a huge watermelon for the festivities yesterday and might have to make this with the leftovers!!
sarah
Ooh yum, perfect summer recipe! Have you tried the fruit shakes in Thailand? I was obsessed with the mango, pineapple and especially banana versions but I for some reason can't recreate the taste! Not sure if they used sweetened condensed milk or what, do you know?
ATasteOfMadness
Oh my goodness, this looks so refreshing!
I remember when I used to work at a place that specialised in drinks, I would always make myself a watermelon one on summer days. Memories...
This looks fantastic!