Watermelon Lime Soda

In Champaign-Urbana we're lucky to have a little Vietnamese place, Xinh Xinh Cafe, that serves food that is quick, tasty, and as an added perk, pretty thrifty. They've got an impressive soft drink menu that includes lime soda. This drink is bubbly, refreshing, and only subtly sweet. Impressively thirst quenching on a hot day. I decided to give my own a go, with the added flavor of watermelon.

                                       An unexpected perk was the pretty parfait effect

Watermelon-Lime Soda (serves 1, easily doubled, tripled, quadrupled, etc)

• 12 oz seltzer or club soda
• 1 lime
• 2 tsp confectioner's sugar
• handful watermelon ice cubes 

1. Juice 1 lime into a serving glass. Slice into eighths, add between 1/2 the lime up to 1 whole lime to the glass
2. Add the confectioner's sugar and seltzer and gently stir. Taste, and add more sugar and/or lime if desired. 
3. Drop in some watermelon ice cubes. Serve with a lime and melon ball garnish if desired. 
     
To make watermelon ice cubes: Scoop out some of the contents of a seedless watermelon and pulse them in a food processor. I personally like to retain some of the texture, but watermelon can be completely liquified if desired. Pour into ice cube trays. Freeze for a few hours. 

                        Mad scientist at work. Note the free ad for Columbia Street Roastery in the back

                                                            I really love the color

Verdict? Delightfully refreshing.  Folks with strong texture aversion may not like this one, as the watermelon, even sent through the food processor, retains its somewhat fibrous texture. This could be resolved by straining it, but that seems like a lot of extra work to me. This could make a fun summer cocktail with a bit of gin, rum or vodka, but I haven't tried it that way. If you do, let me know. Here are some more shots of this pretty drink: