It happens almost every summer. The temperature in Seattle area tops 90 degrees for a week and complaints starts flowing faster than the sweat dripping down their backs. I smile and think about watermelons. No, not eating watermelons. Drinking watermelons. This heat wave is taking me back to the days I spent in Southeast Asia; where I would sip on watermelon slushies as I rode on ‘tuk-tuks’ and meandered through the markets and temples of Thailand. There are hundreds of street vendors where I would get little bottles or plastic bags of fresh fruit juices. They pureed the fruit as I waited for my 35 baht bottle (around 60 cents)! And after those long days out, I would then retreat to my resort and indulge in some beachside R & R with my Kindle and some more watermelon slushies. It’s insanely refreshing, which is probably it’s purpose or something.

So here I am trying to recreate that memory with this sparkling watermelon juice. The seltzer water adds a hint of salt (you need this in on hot days as our body loses them when we sweat!), and the lime and mint adds a perfect little kick. Since it’s made with fruit, and no added sugar, it’s healthy. We are drinking our nutrients, people. So get down with it and enjoy the heat while it lasts!

I’m about the hammock life.

beachside massage. heavenly

water market in Thailand

Sparkling Watermelon Juice & Bowl

YIELD: 10 servings | PREP: 15 mins  |  TOTAL: 15 mins

• 1 oblong seedless watermelon
• 1 16oz bottle of seltzer water
• 4 limes, juiced
• 3 cups strawberry
• 1 bunch mint leaves, plus some for garnish
• ice cubes

If you’re thinking of adding a bit of vodka, rum, or tequila.. that’s probably a good idea. Do that. I had to keep it PG-13 for the kiddos here. Just add a bit (or A LOT) to your glass and stir.

Let’s sip on this drink and close ours eyes…  and imagine we are back here on the beach getting massages….
Sabrina xo.