Watermelon Coolers Two Ways — Happy Apple Vegan

Ahhh, summer. So fleeting, and so vivid. Fresh, sensational fruits are in abundance for just a little longer, and nothing is more signature to the season than sweet, refreshing watermelon. Felix and I practically lived on watermelon this summer. There was lots of fresh watermelon, of course, including watermelon sticks which a friend introduced me to just this week—how did this fuss-free phenomenon elude me all this time? There was also watermelon gazpacho, chewy dried watermelon, watermelon sorbet and coconut watermelon ice cream, too. Most of all, there were refreshing watermelon coolers.

I’m hanging onto summer with a clawlike grip just now. This is/was my baby's last full week of summer, and while I'm ready to get back to a more structured workflow, the back-to-school transition is always bittersweet and even a little gently heartbreaking. Each season carries extra poignancy, reflections both celebratory and wistful in a way that feels sorrowful. Growing up, growing away. But there is always room for wonder and awe. There is always room for sweetness that floods you like juicy watermelon goodness.

With all its refreshingly juicy flavor, it may be hard to believe that the aptly-named watermelon is roughly 92% water, making it perfect for keeping hydrated in the heat. What’s more, an abundance of benefits are bundled in with all that yummy taste. Among the numerous nutrients include vitamins A and C, known for supporting immune and skin health, as well as potassium, magnesium, lycopene, B vitamins, and more.

Since he was barely holding himself up, F was cooking with me, tossing vegetables into the slow cooker, stirring with glee. While once he couldn't wait to climb up into the learning tower, now he gifts me homemade coupons for cooking together sessions (they're really cute). The sparkling eyes that viewed his mama as One Who Can Do Anything are now a little more indulgent, a lot more savvy and knowing. But he knows his way around the kitchen, tosses fun culinary ideas around like salad, and still loves our time creating together. He made watermelon coolers and endless variations of them all summer. My heart is full. xo

You'll love these sensational signature summer twists!

Yield: 2

Author: Wendy McMillan

Watermelon Strawberry Crush

This simple and signature summer watermelon cooler is sublime. You don't have to freeze your watermelon chunks, but the superior slushy texture is so worth it. I would say it was our go-to refresher on repeat., but there was competition from a plain and simple Watermelon Agua Fresca of just pureed watermelon and water. With both, you can play to your heart’s delight. We topped with kombucha, mint, seltzer, lime…sometimes the works. Blend the mint sprigs in if you like, but just a garnish lends great flavor, too.

Ingredients

3 cups frozen watermelon chunks
1 cup strawberries (fresh or frozen)
1 cup water (or as needed--start with about 1/2 cup and add until your blender can process smoothly)
Juice of half a lime
Mint for garnish

Instructions

Blend all ingredients except for the mint (or reserving some mint) until desired consistency. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Calories

95.54

Fat

0.57 g

Sat. Fat

0.05 g

Carbs

24.07 g

Fiber

2.45 g

Net carbs

21.63 g

Sugar

17.9 g

Protein

1.96 g

Sodium

9.37 mg

Cholesterol

0 mg

Watermelon Hibiscus Tea Fresca

Yield: 4

Author: Wendy McMillan

Watermelon Hibiscus Tea Fresca

What could be more deliciously hydrating than sipping on pure, luscious watermelon flavor, with a Tulsi twist? Simply lovely and ever so simple to prepare, this tea-rific riff on a classic Agua Fresca blends Organic India Tulsi Hibiscus Tea with fresh watermelon and delicate coconut water in a supreme summertime cooler everyone will love.Simple and simply delightful, traditional Mexican aguas frescas are essentially whole fresh juice made with equal parts with water plus a touch of syrup. We’ve eschewed the added sugar and blended in the subtle, uplifting sweetness of coconut water instead, along with the light, floral and berry notes of the tea. This liquid radiance welcomes supplementation, too—I like to blend in a little Organic India Shatavari. Preparing this relaxing, luxuriously refreshing beverage couldn’t be easier--just add all ingredients and blend. If you’re happy with the consistency, serve as is or over ice. If you find some lingering pulp that isn’t to your liking, strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher first. Feeling free to approximate quantities, too–with wholesome ingredients like these, it’s hard to go wrong!

Ingredients

2 Cups boiled water
4 ORGANIC INDIA USA Tulsi Hibiscus Tea bags
4 Cups cubed, seedless watermelon
2 Cups coconut water, chilled
Juice from 1 medium lime
Ice, additional cubed or sliced watermelon, and lime slices to serve, optional

Instructions

Steep the tea bags in the 2 cups boiled water for 5 -10 minutes. Remove tea bags and chill.
Puree the watermelon in a blender. If desired, remove solids by straining through a fine mesh sieve or transfer directly into a pitcher. Stir in chilled tea, coconut water, and lime juice. Chill covered for an hour or serve immediately over ice.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

92.16

Fat

0.58 g

Sat. Fat

0.25 g

Carbs

21.99 g

Fiber

2.25 g

Net carbs

19.75 g

Sugar

17.12 g

Protein

2.28 g

Sodium

134.35 mg

Cholesterol

0 mg