Lean Libation: Watermelon Killer Chiller

Watermelon made into a delicious and refreshing cocktail? Why not?!?! I loved the look of this Watermelon Killer Chiller from the first moment I saw it in the pages of EveryDay with Rachael Ray (June/July 2011 Issue; page 20). Yes, I am saying I experienced love at first sight with a cocktail. That's right. But with such bright fuchsia coloring, accented with a slice of green apple...I just couldn't help myself. This cocktail is absolutely fabulous! It's another one of those "sit outside on a hot summer day or evening to enjoy" type of drinks. And in true "Cookin' Lean fashion", we have made this a skinny cocktail. Check it out!

WATERMELON KILLER CHILLER
Makes 4 Glasses

INGREDIENTS

• 10 ounces fresh cut watermelon
• 1 lime; juiced
• 8 ounces vodka
• 2 cups SPRITE ZERO
• green apple; thin slices for garnish (see picture)

DIRECTIONS

Place watermelon in a blender and puree until smooth.

Strain puree over a large bowl or pitcher.

Add vodka, lime juice and SPRITE ZERO to the watermelon juice. Stir well.

Pour the mixture into four glasses over ice. Garnish with an apple slice. CHEERS!

RESULTS

We were four happy adults with this "lean libation". Don't want the alcohol? No problem! It is great with or without (Alcohol accounts for most of the calories. Leave it out & save 128 calories per serving!). This drink is light. It is refreshing. It is a winner! I took a shortcut by buying the watermelon already cut up, but that's just my style. If you are doing this for a party, try cutting the top 1/3 of the watermelon off and taking out all the flesh or what I like to call, "the good stuff". When the drink is ready, serve it in the hollowed out watermelon; using the watermelon as the punch bowl. It's not only cute, it's clever. Now you can throw "the bowl" away when the party is over (in other words...one less dish to wash).

Just check out what we saved by using SPRITE ZERO and changing the amount of vodka used. Don't worry...there is still plenty of kick!

Nutrition Facts (per glass):

BEFORE: 340.75 calories; .25g fat;  22.36g carbohydrate;  .79g protein;  .5g fiber

AFTER: 166.25 calories;  .25g fat;  9.48g carbohydrate;  .79g protein;  .5g fiber

SAVES: 174.5 calories & 12.88g carbohydrate

*PRINT~FRIENDLY*

I believe you have a cocktail to try this evening! Have a great Monday!