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Melon Agua Fresca

(recipe, Marissa Lippert)

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Introduction

Agua fresca, or "fresh water," is served throughout Mexico and is a perfect summertime cooler.

Ingredients

1. 2¾ cups melon chunks (watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, etc.)
2. 2 cups water
3. 3 Tbsp. fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
4. 3 Tbsp. sugar or 2 tablespoons agave nectar (see Note)
5. Mint sprigs for garnish (optional)

Steps

1. Purée melon in a blender until smooth. Strain through a sieve and discard pulp.
2. Pour the melon juice into a pitcher and stir in the water, lime juice, and sugar.
3. Serve over ice, garnished with mint sprigs or extra chunks of melon.

Note

Culinate editor's note: Because granulated sugar won't dissolve easily in cold liquid, you may wish to replace the 3 tablespoons sugar with a simple syrup of sugar dissolved in boiling water. Agave nectar, of course, is already liquid. Read more about hydration in Marissa Lippert's "Hydration and health."