Let’s embark on this culinary journey together, taking inspiration from the kitchen adventures I have with Olivia and Isabella. Follow these steps to bring a piece of Monterey to your table.

1. Start by placing the watermelon cubes and cucumber pieces into a blender. The sight of these vibrant colors reminds me of the summer festivals in my hometown, where everything felt alive and buzzing with energy.
2. Add the lime juice and honey, if using. These elements add a tangy sweetness that echoes the zest for life my mother, Elena, always infused into her cooking.
3. Blend until smooth, about 1-2 minutes. The sound of the blender whirring is like a symphony, each note blending to create a harmonious melody.
4. Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher, pressing down with a spoon to extract as much juice as possible. This step is akin to the patient care Nonna Rosa used to employ, always ensuring every drop was savored.
5. Add a pinch of sea salt to enhance the natural sweetness, just like how a pinch of love can make everything better.
6. Serve chilled, garnished with fresh mint leaves. Picture yourself sitting by the ocean, the breeze carrying the scent of mint, a reminder of the fresh mornings spent in European markets.