We tried this combo a few weekends ago when we just wanted to lay back and relax. It was wonderful. As a matter-of-fact, I believe it was last holiday--Memorial Day Weekend!
The hamburger is 80/20 ground meat because we like it juicy like that. Just a few minutes before cooking, I salted and peppered the ground meat taking care not to over knead. Then, I grabbed a handful for the patty, but without forgetting to put a thin slice of butter in the middle of the patty. Grilled up on the stove then placed on a toasted bun. Housemates got to put whatever condiments (mayo, garlic aioli, lettuce, cheese, lettuce) they preferred. It was a hit!
For drinks, we had Melon Ball Juice. To make it, I got:
1 bottle of 25.4 oz sparkling white grape juice (near the Martinelli's sparkling apple cider at the grocery store)
4 cups regular Sprite
3 cups lemonade, not the powder, but already the juice in the bottle
4 cups each of balled watermelon, honeydew, and cantaloupe
few sprigs of mint leaves
slices lime, optional
The original recipe was from Divas Can Cook, but I tweaked it to my liking because I felt that the original recipe yielded too little. You can actually customize this to your liking as I did, adjusting the Sprite and lemonade to taste. The sparkling juice provides a great bubbly feel as did the Sprite.
To make, mix all the liquid ingredients together, then the secret is to let the melons infuse in the refrigerator to chill. The longer the chill and infusion, the better. Add the mint leaves and lime upon serving. Why? Because I found that the mint and lime give it a sour taste and not too appealing.
You can also chill a small portion of the melons to act as ice and keep the drinks cool. You've got your drink and fruit serving all in one!
Delicious!
