Fragrant Watermelon Cooler

Submitted by Nabiha

"I have plenty of time these days and decided to try out recipes, especially the ones that I had written down ages ago, but forgotten about ..... I don't remember where I got this recipe from but its a refreshing change from the other drinks. The star anise lends it a sort of exotic flavor."

 

• Ready In: 7mins
• Ingredients: 5
• Yields: 2 glasses
• Serves: 2

ingredients

• 15 g star anise
• 14.79 ml caster sugar
• 90 ml water
• 500 g watermelon
• sparkling water, to top up

directions

1. Roughly crush the star anise using a pestle and mortar, and tip into a small pan along with the sugar and water.
2. Dissolve the sugar in the water, bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes.
3. Remove the pan from the heat and leave the star anise to steep in the syrup for 10 minutes.
4. Cut the watermelon into chunks and put it through a juicer.
5. Strain the anise syrup through a fine sieve and use to sweeten the melon juice. Stir well to combine the flavors.
6. Fill 2 glasses two-thirds full with the juice, and top up with sparkling water.
7. Serve chilled.