Fresh Lemonade with Grilled Lemons and Watermelon

Simple Syrup

½ cup sugar

½ cup water

1 tablespoon rosemary leaves

Lemonade

6 Meyer lemons

4 cups seedless watermelon cubes

3 cups cold water

For the simple syrup: Mix sugar and water in small saucepan. Bring to boil. Remove from heat. Add rosemary; let stand 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to dissolve sugar. Strain. Cover and refrigerate until well chilled.

For the lemonade: Cut 4 of the lemons in half crosswise. Cut remaining 2 lemons into slices. Grill lemon halves and slices over medium heat 4 to 5 minutes or until lightly charred. Squeeze juice from lemon halves to yield ½ cup juice. Set lemon slices aside for garnish.

Place watermelon cubes and lemon juice in blender container; cover. Blend on high speed until smooth. Pour fruit mixture into large pitcher. Add simple syrup and cold water; mix well. Serve in ice-filled beverage glasses. Garnish with reserved lemon slices.

Serves eight.

McCormick