Shortcut Recipe: Homemade Watermelon Soda

Need a little refreshing drink to cool off without all the extra calories? Then this recipe is PERFECT for you and a hot summer day I might add. It’s fresh with just right amount of sweetness, and best of all: it’s super easy to make! 

*Recipe adapted from Cheryl Tallman (www.FreshBaby.com)
Ingredients: 5 cups seeded and chopped watermelon1 cup of water1 packet of stevia (or sugar, but could omit altogether)
2 tablespoons lime juice
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 cups of sparkling water or club soda 
Directions:Puree the watermelon and water in a blender. Pour the watermelon puree into a fine strainer set over a bowl. Let it stand for a few minutes until the juice has drained through. Stir the watermelon gently one or twice, but do not press the puree or the syrup will be cloudy. This will yield about 2 cups of watermelon juice.Stir in stevia, lime juice and salt into the watermelon juice until dissolved.Serve individually by pouring 1/4 to 1/2 cup watermelon concentrate with 1/2 cup sparkling water in a glass. Top with ice and a lime slice. Serve as a punch: This recipe could also make a REALLY great punch for a barbeque or summer potluck, just simply multiply the recipe to suit your needs. Make sure to pretty it up by adding fresh fruit like: lime slices, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and serve in super adorable mason jars (like shown above). You could also spike this recipe if that strikes your fancy (any spirit would do).    Enjoy!!Recipe above makes 5 to 8 servings.Happy Monday Blog Reader! Sincerely,Short Presents.