WATERMELON LEMONADE WITH GIN (for six)

7 cups 2 inch pieces peeled, seeded watermelon (from about 4 pounds)

1 cup simple syrup (recipe follows)

1 cup fresh lemon juice

3 tablespoons grenadine

1 cup gin

3 cups ice cubes

lemon twists (optional)

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1.Puree the watermelon pieces in processor. Strain watermelon puree into a large pitcher, pressing on solids in strainer to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard any solids in strainer. Add syrup, lemon juice and grenadine to pitcher, stir to blend. Stir in gin. (Can 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.

SIMPLE SYRUP (1-1/2 cups)

1-1/2 cups water

¾ cup sugar

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1.Stir water and sugar in a heavy medium saucepan over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat and boil 2 minutes. Refrigerate syrup until cold, about 3 hours. (Can be prepared 1 week ahead. Cover and keep refrigerated.)

from Barbara Fairchild, The Bon Appetit Cookbook