Strawberry Watermelon Cooler

Memorial Day is over and sadly, it is back to reality for most of us.  But you can prolong that easy, relaxin’ feeling with this drink. Its smooth.  Its sweet.  Its delightfully refreshing.  And just in case you needed one more reason, it is good for you and uses up all the leftover fruit you may have in your fridge after the rounds of cookouts last weekend! Throw it all in the blender and whiz away!  Your kids will drink this.  Your guests will drink this.  And you will drink this.  Aaahhhhh.  (That is the sound of the tension releasing from my muscles as I drink mine.  I would like to say that my glass looks like the charming ones in the picture above, but sadly it is a plastic, blue, fish cup with an orange fishy tail as my handle.)
Depending on the type of weekend you had, you may want to spike yours.  I don’t drink so I don’t have the foggiest idea what you would add to this, but if you come up with an interesting combo, feel free to let everyone know in the comments section below.  Tequila?  Vodka?  Rum?  *shrug* Sorry.  I’m clueless. Strawberry Watermelon Cooler
I froze the leftovers, minus the pop, in pop-sickle molds for my kids.  Okaaay.  For me too.  Delightful.

1/2 pound strawberries, chunked (about 2 c)
4 c chunked watermelon
1 T lime juice
1/4 c simple syrup*(see note)
Sprite, Sierra Mist, 7-Up , or Gingerale

Put all ingredients except the pop in a blender and puree till smooth.  Strain through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher.  Fill glasses halfway with fruit puree and top off with pop.  It is also perfectly wonderful without the soda.  If you have a particularly good watermelon, skip the added sweetener.  You won’t need it.

*Note:  I have mentioned this before but on the off chance you missed it, here it is again.  Simple Syrup is just equal parts sugar and water, boiled on the stove until the sugar is dissolved.  Cool to room temp and store in the fridge.  It will last for months and I keep it on hand always.  Why?  Use it to sweeten anything you don’t want the grittiness of sugar in.  Smoothies, iced tea, mixed drinks, granitas or sorbets-sometimes I even brush it on the layers of a cake to keep it moist.