Watermelon, cucumber, and mint sorbet

National Watermelon Day is Aug. 3. Celebrate by mixing the coolest melon around into a sorbet.

I generally think a cold slice of watermelon is the most refreshing treat on a hot summer’s day. I also cool myself off with a tall glass of water infused with cucumber. Blend these two together, add the summer taste of fresh mint, freeze it, and consider yourself refreshed on National Watermelon Day (Aug. 3).

Watermelon sorbet is just plain good, but this frosty summer treat also makes an elegant simple dessert for a dinner party. 

This recipe sometimes yields more sorbet base than fits in my ice cream maker. If this happens to you, simply make another small batch, or mix it half-and-half with tea for a cool drink.

Watermelon, Cucumber, and Mint Sorbet
Makes about 1/2 gallon 

3 cups water
1 cup sugar
Large bunch of fresh mint
3 cups seeded watermelon chunks
1 cup peeled cucumber chunks, seeded

Stir the sugar and water together in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Boil, stirring a few times, just until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from the heat and drop in 3 stems of mint. Leave to cool. Remove the mint stems.

Process the watermelon and cucumber chunks in a blender with the sugar syrup and 1/4 cup mint leaves. You may need to do this in several batches. Pour through a strainer into a bowl, pressing out as much pulp as possible. Chill for a couple of hours or until very cold. Pour the sorbet mixture into the bowl of an ice cream maker and freeze according to manufacturer instructions. Scoop into a freezer container and freeze for several hours until firm.

Thirsty for more from The Runaway Spoon? Try Freshly Minted Lemonade.