Watermelon, Strawberry, and Cucumber Cooler

With summer just around the corner, I have been long awaiting watermelon season. A recent trip to Whole Foods and I was juggling as many as I could carry! It's great on it's own, but it's even better mixed with cucumber and strawberries. The perfect way to cool down in the summer heat!

The health benefits of watermelon are just as good as they taste!
Studies have shown that watermelon can actually help alleviate post-workout soreness due to high amounts of lycopene (which is also good for your heart!). This summer fruit is rich in antioxidants and helps improve skin and repair sun damage. It doesn't really get much better than that!


Also, keep in mind that the more ripe the watermelon is, the more nutrients it will have. Not to mention that a fully ripe watermelon will taste the sweetest!

Now onto the delicious recipe. This watermelon cooler is sweet, refreshing, and tastes just like summer. The ratios of how much of each ingredient you decide to use depends on your own taste preferences. But don't worry, you really can't go wrong with it. Honestly, I just threw in various amounts of my ingredients, but I wrote out a general recipe to get you started:

Note: I like to use frozen berries (blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and raspberries) instead of ice cubes. It adds in extra flavor and keeps it tasting more like a juice, and less like an Icee.

Directions:
1. Place all ingredients into a food processor. (I use my Vitamix)
2. Garnish with a slice of cucumber, lime, and strawberry.
3. Serve immediately, and enjoy!

Tip: If you want to make this for your next get-together, plan ahead! Cut up the watermelon and cucumber ahead of time, juice the limes, and put in a bowl with the strawberries. When it's time to serve, mix the ingredients and frozen berries/water in the food processor and serve immediately!!

To make this drink adult-friendly, add in the vodka of your choice and voila! You have a refreshing drink for the pool or beach :)

What's your favorite way to eat watermelon?