Recipe For Agua Fresca

AGUAS FRESCAS (MEXICAN FRUIT COOLERS)

Steps:

• Stir the sugar and water together in a large pitcher until the sugar dissolves. Measure out 1 cup. Puree the fruit and the 1 cup sugar water in a blender. Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer back into the pitcher with the sugar water, mashing with a whisk or wooden spoon to eliminate any pulp.
• Taste and add more sugar, if desired. Serve over ice, with a lemon or lime wedge, if desired.

WATERMELON OR CANTALOUPE AGUA FRESCA

Steps:

• Blend together the watermelon or cantaloupe with 1 1/2 cups of the water, the lime juice and the sugar at high speed until smooth. Strain through a medium strainer into a large pitcher or bowl. Stir in the remaining water. Refrigerate for 1 hour or longer. Fill a glass with ice, pour in the agua fresca, garnish with a mint sprig, and serve.

AGUA FRESCA

Steps:

• This and other similar fruit drinks, which translate literally as "fresh water," are served all over Mexico and they're a cinch to replicate at home. The key is to strain the pulpy fruit to make a clearer liquid. Instead of melon, you could use strawberries, pineapple, or mango -- any fruit that is soft enough to puree.
• Puree cantaloupe and pour through a fine sieve to eliminate pulp. In a pitcher, mix strained fruit puree with water and season with sugar and lime juice, to taste.

AGUA FRESCA

Steps:

• Place water, cantaloupe, and sugar in a blender; blend until smooth. Divide ice into two glasses and pour cantaloupe mixture over ice.

AGUA FRESCA

Steps:

• Combine cantaloupe and 2 cups of water in a blender and puree until smooth. Pour blended mixture into a pitcher and add the rest of the water, lime juice and sugar if using. Chill well before serving.