Why is the Rum Gone?

Did I mention I was a Disney fan? Anyone picturing a ruggedly handsome, wildly entertaining pirate?

Anyway… This past weekend was simply gorgeous! Beautiful sunshine; mid 70’s with a breeze; just perfect. The best part was that my family spent the whole weekend enjoying it together. Everything from mud pies in the back yard, chalk drawings on the driveway, swinging on the swing set, a walk through the neighborhood and even apple picking for the first time. Gorgeous weather, amazing family, I am truly blessed.

Such perfect weather lends itself so well to blended beverages! Something about such a relaxing day enjoying the outdoors and cold drink, match made in heaven! While shopping our favorite wholesaler last week, I let my daughter pick out a type of fruit. This resulted in two 2-pound containers of watermelon chunks, one gallon bag of watermelon slices and two gallon bags of frozen watermelon chunks… Watermelon for days! Watermelon punch seemed like a tasty solution!

Watermelon Punch

Roughly 4 cups frozen watermelon chunks

2 -3 limes, pealed

1 cup juice cocktail (I had apple blueberry on hand, I think most anything but a cranberry blend would work. Cranberry may be too tart with the limes)

Lemon lime soda

1 cup-ish (I didn’t measure, just used up what I had) coconut rum (optional)

Blend frozen watermelon, limes, juice cocktail and rum (if using) until smooth. Fill glass about half full with soda and top with blended mix. Stir and garnish with lime slice if desired. You may want a deck chair and sun glasses ready for enjoying this beverage.