"In Mobile Alabama, where I grew up watermelon was part of any summer get together." writes Cynthia Nicholson. "At family picnics, we'd take a whole watermelon and secure it under the branches of a fallen tree near the banks of the Chickasabogue creek. The icy waters flowing over the green-striped globe would chill it in nothing flat. I live up north now, and I made up this drink with that memory in mind. Its cooling and delicious with or without rum."

Yield: 4 servings (serving size:1½-cups)

Ingredients

• 5 cups seeded, cubed watermelon
• 1 6-ounce can frozen limeade concentrate (do not thaw)
• ¾ -cup white rum
• ¼ -cup fresh mint leaves
• 1 cup sparkling water
• Mint sprigs (garnish)
• Round lime slices (garnish)

Procedure

1. Place watermelon cubes in a zip-lock bag or on a cookie sheet and freeze.
2. Place frozen watermelon, limeade, rum and mint leaves in a blender and process until smooth.
3. Pour into 4 tall glasses; pour ¼ cup of sparkling water into each glass and stir. Garnish with mint sprigs and lime slices.
4. Serve immediately.

Cynthia Nicholson, from One Big Table, to be published by Simon and Schuster, 2007