photo: Quentin Bacon

Serves 12

I’m obsessed with mojitos and this time of year I love to mix in fresh seasonal sweet fruit into my mojitos. Watermelon works great because it pairs well with the lime. I also love to use pureed peaches and pineapple.

1-1/2 cups sugar
1-1/2 cups water
1 bunch mint leaves, plus some for garnish
2 cups lime juice, from about 1 dozen limes
2-1/2 cups white rum
9 cups watermelon, pureed and strained

Yields: 10-12

Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer until the sugar has completely dissolved. Remove from the heat and cool completely.

In a small mixing bowl, muddle the mint leaves, dissolved sugar/water mixture, lime juice, and rum. Add the pureed watermelon and stir. Pour into a large pitcher.

Serve over ice and garnish with mint.