2/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
1 tsp grated lime rind
1/4 cup plus 2 tbl lime juice
1/2 cup light rum
8 cups melon balls (cantaloupe, honeydew & watermelon)
Garnish: fresh mint sprigs

Combine sugar & water in saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 5 minutes. Stir in lime rind. Let cool. Stir in lime juice and rum. Combine melon balls & rum mixture in a large bow; toss gently. Cover & chill 3 to 5 hours. Garnish if desired. 8 cups.