Mojitos By The Pool

Ah!  A gorgeous afternoon for lollygagging about in the pool.  Made even better by the addition of a pitcher of Ina Garten's refreshing Watermelon Mojitos!

Here's the recipe:  (Makes 6 drinks)

30 large fresh mint leaves, coarsely torn by hand
3 to 4 thick slices fresh watermelon
12 ounces light rum
1/2 cup simple syrup*
6 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice (3 limes)

Use a mortar and pestle to mash the mint leaves.  Remove and discard the rind and seeds of the watermelon.  Put the fruit into a food processor fitted with the steel blade and puree.  Put the mashed mint into a large pitcher with 2 cups of pureed watermelon, the rum, simple syrup, and lime juice and stir to combine.  Pour the mixture into a pitcher for serving.

Place ice cubes in 6 glasses and pour the mojito mixture into the glasses.  Garnish with sprigs of fresh mint and spears of watermelon.  Serve ice cold.

*  To make simple syrup, put 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in a small pan and simmer until the sugar dissolves.  Chill.

Extra photo shows that SOMEONE apparently approves of the hideous cell phone tower ...