Watermelon Cooler

3 cups coarsely chopped seeded watermelon

¾ cup sugar

½ cup lightly packed mint leaves

2 cups white grape juice

1 tsp finely shredded lime peel

¾ cup fresh lime juice chilled

4 cups (32 oz) club soda, chilled

Garnish with mint sprigs or watermelon wedges

1.  Place watermelon in a blender or food processor.  Cover and blend until smooth.  Strain watermelon puree through a fine mesh sieve, discard pulp.

2.  In a large bowl, combine sugar and mint.  Using the back of a wooden spoon, lightly crush mint by pressing it against the side of the bowl.  Add grape juice, lime peel, lime juice, & watermelon puree, stirring until sugar is dissolved.  Stir in club soda.