Some recipes belong to the weather.

This one makes sense on a hot Maldivian afternoon, when the sun is high, the sand is bright, and anything heavy feels like too much. Chef Ishaq’s watermelon and coconut cooler keeps things simple: fruit, coconut water, lime, mint and ice.

It is not trying to be clever. That is why it works.

A watermelon and coconut cooler is a chilled island drink made with fresh watermelon, coconut water, lime, mint and ice. Chef Ishaq at Royal Island blends the ingredients until smooth, creating a light drink for warm Maldivian afternoons.

To make Chef Ishaq’s watermelon and coconut cooler, blend watermelon, coconut water, lime or lemon juice, mint leaves and ice until smooth and icy. Serve immediately, then garnish with fresh mint and a few watermelon cubes.

Add the watermelon, coconut water, lime juice, mint leaves and ice cubes to a blender.

Blend until smooth and cold.

Pour into a chilled glass, then finish with fresh mint and a few cubes of watermelon.

Serve straight away.

Recipe by Chef Ishaq, Royal Island