Frozen Watermelon Cooler—With a Kids Friendly Version

My kids are totally excited about the watermelon season.  In fact, my little boy had been asking me to get some watermelon for him since April.  I’m so glad the wait is finally over.  We’ve been enjoying watermelon quite often lately.  I love to get the mini ones, split it in half and scoop away with a spoon.  My kids love it and they think scooping straight from the watermelon is totally a treat and fun to eat.  I love it too because there are a few less plates and bowls to wash.  What a win-win situation!



Today, I want to share with you this Frozen Watermelon Cooler to celebrate Father’s Day and the 4th of July, which is just a few weeks away.  This will be an easy and fun cocktail to make for your BBQ cookout, or any gathering in the Summer.  I love the crisp and refreshing flavor from the lime and minty simple syrup.  The little fizz from the processo just added more fun.  The frozen watermelon in your drink will keep the drink cool while you sip away.  At the end, you’ve got yourself a little treat as well.  How cool is that?  I created two version for you, one with the processo for the grown ups and one that is kids friendly.  Yes, my kids love this drink as the star shape watermelon are just so much fun to eat.  



I hope that you have enjoyed today’s recipe.  Happy Father’s Day to all the Fathers, Grandfathers and Fathers-To-Be out there.  Have a blast and yes, you can have the TV remote control for the day! 







Frozen Watermelon Cooler: (Printable Recipe)
1 small seedless water melon, chilled
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
1/2 cup packed fresh mint leaves
1 (750-ml) bottle Prosecco, chilled
Juice of 2 limes
a few fresh mint sprigs for garnish

Cut watermelon into 1-inch disks. Stamp out flesh with an 1-inch cookie cutter (any shape you like, I used a star shape one here). With cocktail picks, thread 2 to 3 frozen cut out watermelons on each one, place in a freezer safe container, covered and freeze for at least 2 hours.

In a small saucepan, add sugar, water and mint leaves, cook over medium heat. Bring mixture to a boil and reduce to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes. Stir until the sugar dissolved. Remove from heat, cover and steep for 30 minutes. Strain and discard the mint leaves. Chill the mint simple syrup until ready to use.

When ready to serve, place a watermelon pick on in each serving glass. In a large pitcher, combine the prosecco, lime juice, and mint simple syrup. Pour into serving glasses and garnish with a spring of mint. Enjoy!



Frozen Watermelon Cooler (Kids Friendly Version):
1 small seedless water melon, chilled
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
1/2 cup packed fresh mint leaves
1 1/2 cup white grape juice, chilled
1 1/2 cup club soda, chilled
Juice of 2 limes
a few fresh mint sprigs for garnish

Cut watermelon into 1-inch disks. Stamp out flesh with an 1-inch cookie cutter (any shape you like, I used a star shape one here).  With cocktail picks, thread 2 to 3 frozen cut out watermelons on each one, place in a freezer safe container, covered and freeze for at least 2 hours.

In a small saucepan, add sugar, water and mint leaves, cook over medium heat. Bring mixture to a boil and reduce to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes. Stir until the sugar dissolved. Remove from heat, cover and steep for 30 minutes. Strain and discard the mint leaves. Chill the mint simple syrup until ready to use.

When ready to serve, place a watermelon pick on in each serving glass.  In a large pitcher, combine the grape juice, club soda, lime juice and mint simple syrup. Pour into serving glasses and garnish with a spring of mint.  Enjoy!