Refresco de Tia Mariquita (Watermelon and Red Wine Drink)

Note from author: I have added lime juice to the original recipe to accentuate the flavor.
Note from us: We ignored the pecans. This is sangria-ish! Serves 8 to 10.

INGREDIENTS:
3 1/2 pounds watermelon
grated piloncillo or dark brown sugar to taste
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 cup fresh lime juice or to taste
2 cups red wine
ice as necessary
1/2 cup roughly chopped pecans

DIRECTIONS:

1. Cut the watermelon into large pieces. Remove the center part, without seeds, and cut into small cubes - there should be about 1 cup.
2. Put the rest of the flesh that is dotted with the seeds into a blender and blend very briefly so that you don't break up the seeds.
3. Pass through a fine strainer - you should have about 2 cups.
4. Stir in the sugar, vanilla, and lime juice.
5. Just before serving add the red wine and watermelon cubes. Serve cold or over ice with each glassful decorated with a few of the pecans.

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