Fragrant Watermelon Cooler

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

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.
6. Stir well to combine the flavors.
7. Fill 2 glasses two-thirds full with the juice, and top up with sparkling water.
8. Serve chilled.

anise, caster sugar, water, sparkling water

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/fragrant-watermelon-cooler-308055 (may not work)