Watermelon-Tequila Cocktail

The summer is here and is here to stay for some time to come. This season can often leave us high and dry, parched and craving for something cool and delicious. Here's the perfect drink to help you beat the heat in style!

INGREDIENTS

• 1/4 cup water

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 8 cups diced seedless watermelon

• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice

• 1 3/4 cups blueberries

• 3/4 cup lightly packed fresh mint leaves, plus 8 sprigs for garnish

• 1 1/4 cups silver tequila

• Ice

METHOD

1. In a small saucepan, bring the water to a simmer with the sugar and stir over moderate heat until the sugar is dissolved, about 1 minute; let the sugar syrup cool.

2. In a blender, puree the watermelon until smooth. Set a fine-mesh strainer over a bowl and strain the watermelon juice, pressing gently on the solids to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the pulp.

3. In a large pitcher, combine the sugar syrup with the lime juice, blueberries and mint leaves. Using a wooden spoon, lightly muddle the blueberries and mint. Add the watermelon juice and tequila. Refrigerate until chilled, about 2 hours.

4. Pour the cocktail into tall ice-filled glasses. Garnish with the mint sprigs and serve.