Watermelon Lemonade

Hey. I'm a slacker. They say the first step toward recovery is admitting you have a problem. Hello. I am Allison. I don't keep up on my blog. There. I feel better.
Walah... and since I am instantly forgiven I would love to share this recipe with you put out by Smitten Kitchen. Loooove them! Just in time for summer too!

Makes one pitcher of lemonade.

1 cup (8 ounces) fresh-squeezed lemon juice
2 cups (16 ounces) fresh watermelon puree, strained through a coarse strainer to remove seeds
3/4 cup (6 ounces) simple syrup*
3 cups (24 ounces) cold water

Stir it all together and serve over ice. Garnish it with a thin watermelon or lemon wedge, if you’re feeling fancy.

Spritzy variation: I have never met a beverage I didn’t think would taste better bubbly, thus, if you’re looking for a spritzier version of this, swap one-third (1/4 cup) or more of the water with seltzer or sparkling water.

Boozy variation: My husband thinks this would taste even better with a splash of vodka. I am not one to argue.

* Make your own simple syrup: Please. I see it sold in stores and it just boggles my mind. Simmer one part water with one part sugar (I did a cup of each and ended up with more than I needed for a quadruple batch) until sugar has dissolved. Let cool. Or, you can use my speedier method where you simmer one part sugar with half as much water and once it has dissolved, add the second half of the water, cold, which cools the mixture down faster (when you like nothing to slow your pace to the nearest mocktail).

Frozen Limeade Punch

I had this punch at a bridal shower recently. It is seriously to die for and perfect for a hot summer day. They serve a drink similar to this one at Red Robin and they put raspberry syrup and blueberries in it. Loooove at first sight...I'm a believer!

5 1/2 qt. water (22 cups)
1 c. frozen limeade concentrate
3 cups of sugar
1 large bottle Sprite/7up/Sierra Mist

Mix water, until the limeade and sugar are completely dissolved. Pour drink mix into gallon size freezer Ziploc bags (each about 2/3 way full, sealed tightly) and freeze until completely frozen (over night). When ready to serve punch, smash bags on hard surface to loosen up frozen drink mix and pour into punch bowl. Pour bottle of soda over it and mix until nice and slushy.

Water Punch

I love to serve this punch at family get togethers, summer bbq's, as well as baby and bridal showers. It is a lighter tasting punch with a great pop of color from the floating citrus fruit. You can get powdered citric acid from any pharmacy or health food store.

5 qt. water
3 c. sugar
1 Tbsp. lemon extract
1 Tbsp powdered citric acid
Ice
lemons, limes, and oranges (about 2 or 3 each)

Dissolve the water and sugar together. Add lemon ext. and citric acid and stir until completely dissolved. Add ice. Cut up citrus fruits in slices and place on top.