WATERMELON ICED TEA WITH BOOZY OPTION

This refreshing summer libation, adapted from a drink served at 1Kept Kitchen & Bar in Buckhead, is nothing more than sweet tea with watermelon puree and lemon juice. Feel free to add a glug of your favorite booze.

1 small seedless watermelon

4 cups water

2 family-size iced tea bags

1 cup granulated sugar

½ cup fresh lemon juice

Spirits such as gin, vodka, tequila, mezcal or bourbon

for mixing drinks (optional)

Lemon slices for garnish (optional)

Mint sprigs for garnish (optional)

Slice watermelon in half. (One half will be used to make fresh watermelon puree for the tea; the other will be used to make melon balls for garnish.)

Using a melon baller, scoop out balls of watermelon from one half of the melon. Place balls on a tray or plate, and freeze.

Scoop the sweet flesh out of the center of the second watermelon half. Puree in a blender or food processor. Set aside 4 cups of puree for making the tea. Save any leftover puree or watermelon for another use.

Pour water in a medium-size boiler or sauce pan, and bring to a boil over medium heat. Turn off the heat, drop in tea bags, cover and allow to steep for about 20 minutes.

Remove teabags and discard. Pour tea into a large pitcher, add sugar and lemon juice, and stir to dissolve the sugar. Cover and chill.

When ready to serve: Place frozen melon balls in a large glass as you would ice. If using spirits, add a shot, top with tea, and stir. Garnish with additional melon balls threaded on skewers, along with lemon slices and mint sprigs (if using). Makes: About 6 drinks

Per serving, without Boozy Option: 176 calories (percent of calories from fat, 0), 1 gram protein, 43 grams carbohydrates, trace fiber, no fat, no cholesterol, 3 milligrams sodium.