Agua fresca is the catchall term for a wide variety of popular nonalcoholic beverages that are made by combining fruits, grains, seeds, or flowers with sugar and water. Literally meaning “fresh water,” these beverages are served from large barrel-style glass jars, and make for a very colorful and appealing display. If you can’t find seedless watermelon, remove as many seeds as possible before processing.
Makes about 8 cups; serves 8 to 10
INGREDIENTS:
- 8 cups seedless watermelon, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 cups water
- ⅓ cup lime juice (3 limes), plus extra as needed
- 2 tablespoons agave nectar or honey, as needed
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- Mint leaves (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Working in 2 batches, process watermelon and water in blender until smooth, about 30 seconds.
- Strain mixture through fine-mesh strainer into 2-quart pitcher; discard solids. Stir in lime juice, agave, and salt into watermelon mixture.
- Stir in extra lime juice and agave to taste. Serve over ice with mint, if using. (Agua Fresca can be refrigerated for up to 5 days; stir to recombine before serving.)
