Sandia Agua Fresca

Beat the heat with this refreshing watermelon agua fresca. Perfect for summer parties. Chunks of watermelon, fresh squeezed lime juice, water, and ice are all you need. For those who prefer sweeter drinks, I’ve included a recipe for simple syrup made with honey.

Mexico is a treasure trove of amazing fruit. They have fruiterias: shops and street vendors that can sell any variety of fabulous fruit concoctions such as drinks, paletas, ice cream, and other snacks. Agua fresca is a classic Mexican drink with fruit, water, sugar, and lime juice. It’s made with different fruits such as pineapple, strawberry, etc. Perfect for hot summer days, or to cool your tongue when eating hot spicy foods. Here’s a version that is Paleo and Specific Carbohydrate Diet legal.

This recipe uses 8-10 cups of ripe watermelon chunks. I usually use a seedless watermelon about the size of a bowling ball, which usually gives me a different amount each time. Put half the watermelon in the blender with a cup of water. Blend until frothy and smooth.

Place a mesh strainer over a bowl and the strain seeds and pulp. Add the strained juice to a pitcher and repeat with the remaining watermelon. Stir in 1/4 cup of fresh squeezed lime juice. Taste. Add more lime juice if needed.

I find this very refreshing as is, but some may like it sweeter. If so, make a honey simple syrup. Heat equal parts honey and water in a saucepan. Let boil 2 minutes. Chill completely before stirring into the agua fresca. Add according to taste. Chill completely before serving.

To serve: Fill a glass with ice. Pour in the chilled agua fresca. Garnish with a lime wedge. Enjoy! This recipe makes about 2 quarts.