PINK VODKA WATERMELON LEMONADE

INGREDIENTS

• ¾ cup honey or granulated sugar
• 8-12 fresh thyme sprigs
• 1 cup fresh mint leaves
• 7 cups cubed watermelon
• 1 ¼ cups fresh lemon juice
• 1 ½ cups vodka
• 12 oz sparking water

INSTRUCTIONS
STEP 1
Make the watermelon juice by blending on high speed until smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher. Alternatively, put watermelon into a juicer.
STEP 2
In a medium pot, bring 1 cup water, the honey or sugar, and thyme to a boil over high heat. Boil 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat. Pour in the watermelon juice. Stir in the mint, lemon juice, and vodka. Chill until cold. If desired, strain out the thyme and mint.
STEP 3
Fill a pitcher with ice and cocktail. Pour into glasses and top off each glass with sparkling water. Garnish as desired with watermelon and thyme. Celebrate freedom!