Watermelon Agua Fresca

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We had a barbecue for some good friends this memorial day week-end and I made big plans for the meal. I took out all my cookbooks and searched for summer-y recipes. I immediately felt attracted to this mexican drink which I found in my favorite cookbook(the pictures are AWESOME!)...the drink not only looked inviting with it's bright color but sounded refreshing too. Unfortunately my fridge was full, so I couldn't make it for the party. But as soon as the party leftovers got done and my fridge started looking slightly empty once again, I pulled out this recipe and made it pronto. And you should be doing the same!
This has become my new favorite drink after just a couple of sips and I can already see myself drinking this while reading a nice book sitting on the patio...like the image? Then go make the drink and give yourself a treat! The recipe is on me, I assure you :P

Recipe Notes: This recipe looks like a lot of work but it isn't if you plan ahead. It's perfect for parties(especially summer barbecues) since you can make it ahead and let it sit for the flavors to develop. Recipe adapted from Entertaining - Williams Sonoma
I rate it 4.5 stars

Ingredients:
1 ripe seedless watermelon, about 6 lbs
Juice from 2 limes
6 tbsp sugar
1/2 cup crushed fresh mint leaves
2 cups cold water
1 lime, sliced
ice cubes to serveProcedure:
Slice the watermelon and remove the thick peel/rind. Chop the sliced melon into big pieces. Working in batches, puree the melon in a food processor or blender till smooth. Transfer each batch to a big bowl. After all the melon is pureed, add fresh lime juice, crushed and torn mint leaves and sugar to the pureed mixture. Stir to dissolve completely. Let it sit at room temeperature for 1-3 hours. I let mine sit for 2 hours and the flavors developed nicely. Pour the melon mixture through a medium sieve into another bowl/jar and add water, lime slices and ice cubes. Serve and enjoy!