Melonade

• MAKE-AHEAD

Ingredients

1. 2 tablespoons water
2. 2 tablespoons sugar
3. 1 1/4 pounds peeled green melon, such as honeydew, cut into 1-inch dice (4 cups)
4. 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
5. 1/4 cup tightly packed mint leaves
6. Ice cubes
7. Seltzer
8. Mint sprigs and lemon slices, for garnish

1. In a small saucepan, combine the water with the sugar and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until the sugar dissolves. Let cool completely.
2. In a blender or food processor, puree the melon with the lemon juice, mint and sugar syrup. Fill 4 large glasses with ice and pour in the melon puree. Top with seltzer, garnish with mint and lemon slices and serve.