Serves 8

• 1 mini or small seedless watermelon
• 1 small cucumber
• 2 limes
• 1/2 cup mint
• 10 ounces rum or vodka, chilled (optional)
• 1 large bottle sparkling water
• 3 cups ice cubes

Using a blender or food processor, puree ¾ of the watermelon and cucumber together. Strain the mixture using a fine mesh sieve. Chill.

Juice the limes and muddle the mint using a wooden spoon or a muddler. Put the mixture in a shaker with ice and shake for 15-20 seconds. Strain into a large pitcher. Add the watermelon/cucumber juice to the pitcher, then the rum or vodka and the sparkling water.

Pour into serving glasses filled with ice and garnish with a slice of watermelon, a couple of slices of cucumber and a sprig of mint.