Watermelon With Ginger Mint Simple Syrup Food

WATERMELON-MINT WATER

Steps:

• Place 4 cups 1/2 inch-cubed watermelon (about 1 1/4 pounds; lightly smashed) and 6 sprigs mint (lightly crushed) in a pitcher. For still infused water, add 2 quarts of water. For sparkling water, add 1 quart of seltzer during prep and a second quart just before serving. Refrigerate 2 to 4 hours to allow the ingredients to infuse. Stir well and strain, discarding the solids. For serving, add fresh watermelon and mint sprigs for garnish and plenty of ice. The infused water will keep refrigerated for up to 2 days.

WATERMELON-GINGER GRANITA

Steps:

• Puree 6 cups cubed seedless watermelon in a blender with 1/2 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon lime juice and 2 teaspoons grated peeled ginger until smooth. Pour into a 9-by-13-inch baking dish, cover with plastic wrap and freeze, scraping with a fork every hour, until fluffy, 5 to 7 hours.

GINGER SIMPLE SYRUP

Steps:

• Heat the sugar and water in a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. When the sugar is completely dissolved, about 5 minutes, stir in the ginger and remove from heat. Let the ginger steep until the syrup is completely cool. Remove the ginger and transfer the syrup to an airtight container. Refrigerate until ready to use.

WATERMELON-GINGER AGUA FRESCA

Steps:

• Place 2 1/2 cups watermelon and 3/4 cup cold water in blender. Puree until smooth. Pour agua fresca into large pitcher. Repeat 3 more times with remaining watermelon and cold water. Add lime juice, 1/4 cup sugar, and ginger juice to pitcher and stir to blend. Add more sugar by tablespoonfuls, if desired. Refrigerate until well chilled, at least 3 hours. DO AHEAD Can be made 8 hours ahead. Keep chilled. Stir before serving.
• Fill glasses with ice cubes; pour agua fresca over. Garnish each glass with lime wedge and serve.

WATERMELON-MINT AGUA FRESCA

Steps:

• Combine mint leaves, sugar, and 1/4 cup water in a small pot. Bring to a boil and stir until sugar has dissolved. Transfer mixture to a heatproof container and chill, uncovered, until cool, about 30 minutes.
• Strain mint syrup into a blender; discard mint leaves. Add watermelon and lime juice and blend until very smooth. Using a fine-mesh sieve, strain into a pitcher; discard solids. Add 2 cups water and stir well to combine. Serve with mint sprigs.
• Do Ahead
• Aqua fresca can be stored in an airtight container and chilled for up to 1 day.