It’s no secret watermelon is one of the best cooling, healthy go-to’s on hot summer days, but it’s also packed with superantioxidant, Lycopene, protecting from free radicals while you’re enjoying the sunshine + high in electrolytes making it truly hydrating. After sipping on a couple dozen at NYC restaurants this summer, I decided to blend some of these up on my own to share with friends on the rooftop.

Watermelon Juice Drinks

1 watermelon

filtered water

fresh lemon

crushed ice

Chop 4-5 cups of watermelon into chunks and add filtered water to taste (1 cup or less). Pulse the watermelon in the blender using small amounts of the water in batches. Filter the pulp using the sieve–resulting in a smooth red juice. Add lemon (optional) and garnish with mint or any other flavor you desire. I used Star Anise, inspired by the Cavaillon melon drink in Provence I had last spring. When we visited–-they served up their famous melon drinks with Star Anise and we couldn’t get enough of it.