What to drink when temperatures soar?  Something sweet and refreshing and incredibly easy to prepare.  This time last year with juicy watermelons and lush strawberries in plentiful supply at the markets I made Watermelon, Mint and Lime Paletas  and Granita. This year I’ve added watermelon and Strawberry Lemonade to my repertoire.

What I love most about this recipe is that one big batch easily satisfies a crowd.  A deliciously fruity, non alcoholic cooler  that effortlessly morphs into a sophisticated summery cocktail spiked with a nip of vodka, rum or tequila. For something really special try replacing the sparkling mineral water in the recipe with a sparkling dry prosecco.

Watermelon And Strawberry Lemonade
Makes about 1.25 litres

5 cups seedless  watermelon, cubed
250g (1 punnet) fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
1/2 cup white sugar
freshly squeezed juice of 2 lemons
1 cup (250 ml) sparkling mineral water

WORKING in batches, place  the watermelon, strawberries and sugar into a food processor or blender and purée until smooth and liquefied.
STRAIN through a fine-mesh strainer into a glass jug pushing down on the pulp to release all the juices.
ADD lemon juice and sparkling mineral water. Chill until very cold. Serve in glasses over ice garnished with a slice of strawberry and thin wedge of watermelon. Spike with a 30 ml nip of vodka, rum or tequila if so inclined.