Watermelon Gin Punch

(Courtesy of Fine Cooking)

Ingredients:
1 small round seedless watermelon (about 3 1/2 lbs.), peeled and cut into large chunks
1/2 c. fresh lemon juice, strained
1/2 c. simple syrup
8 sprigs fresh mint; more for garnish
2 c. gin

Directions:
Working in batches if necessary, puree the watermelon in a blender or food processor and press the puree through a strainer.  You'll need about 4 c. of juice- it is ok if there is some pulp in the juice.  Chill.

Put the lemon juice, simple syrup and mint in a 3 quart serving pitcher or a punch bowl and mash the mint thoroughly with a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon.  Add about 4 c. of ice, the gin and the watermelon juice.  Stir.

Serve in rock glasses over ice.  Garnish with mint sprigs.

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