Sparkling Watermelon Agua Fresca
Serves 8
Summer refreshment doesn’t get any better than agua fresca or “fresh water,” a popular drink in Mexico. Ripe melon is a common fruit, but you can also use a puree of mango, pineapple, cucumber, or berries. These should be strained to remove the pulp before making into a beverage. For an adult “cocktail,” add a splash of rum, tequila, or vodka.
Ingredients
- 5 cups cubed watermelon
- 2 1/2 cups cold sparkling water
- Lime juice, to taste
- Simple syrup, to taste
Optional Ingredients
- Fresh mint leaves
- Lime slices
Directions
- Place melon in a blender and purée. Pour into a pitcher.
- Add sparkling water, lime juice, and simple syrup. Adjust to taste. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and lime slices.
- VARIATIONS:
- MINT AGUA FRESCA:
- In a saucepan, combine 1/4 cup mint leaves, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1/2 cup water. Bring to boil, stirring to dissolve sugar. Remove from heat, cool, then chill. Strain to remove mint leaves. Stir mint syrup, to taste, into melon purée along with sparkliing water.
- HONEYDEW-BASIL AGUA FRESCA:
- Follow mint recipe above, using basil instead of mint, and honeydew melon for the purée.
- STRAWBERRY OR MANGO AGUA FRESCA:
- Use berries or mango instead of melon. Purée fruit and pour through a fine-meshed strainer. Discard pulp.
- SIMPLE SYRUP:
- Bring 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water to boil, stirring to dissolve sugar. Cool. Store covered in refrigerator up to 1 month.
Nutrition
Amount Per Serving (based on 8 servings)- Calories: 30
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 15.0 mg
- Carbohydrates: 7.0 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Added Sugars: 0 g
- Sugar: 6.0 g
- Protein: 1.0 g