| | Agua de Melon |
| 1 | Ripe cantaloupe or honey dew peeled, seeded and diced |
| 2 | Qts cold water |
| 1/2 cup | Sugar* |
| | Agua de Sandia (Watermelon) |
| 3 cups | Watermelon, diced (no rind) |
| 10 cups | Cold water |
| 1/2 cup | Sugar* |
1. Mash the melon. If using a blender, add just enough water to blend into a coarse pulp. Put the pulp in a pitcher adding the water and the sugar. Stir vigorously to dissolve the sweetener.
Recipe #2
Mash the fruit until it is quite smooth. If using a blender, add the diced watermelon and 4 cups of the water. Blend for a minute or two until the seeds break up . Let the ground seeds settle to the bottom, then pour off the liquid into the pitcher. The ground seeds should remain in the bottom.
Add the remaining water and sweeten as needed.
*Use more or less depending on the sweetness of the fruit.
Agua Fresca or Aguas de Frutas. Literally translated as "fresh water" or "fruit waters" they are in reality light-bodied and very refreshing fruit drinks made from whatever fruit is in season combined with sweetener (traditionally sugar) and water.
Making Agua Fresca at home is a simple undertaking. Key points to remember:
Traditionally these drinks are made without blenders and done by simply mashing the fruit with a fork or masher before adding the water and sweetener. You should try this method at least once to understand what an authentic Agua Fresca is like.
The amount of sweetener needed will vary depending on the sweetness of the fruit you are using. Some may not require any at all. Sugar substitutes may be used and honey is okay too though it is best to liquify the honey with a bit of hot water to ensure proper distribution.
If you are using a blender, do not be tempted to add all of the water called for in the recipe and never add ice. You should only add water to the blender when the fruit isn't juicy enough to blend on its own and then it should only be what is needed to liquify the fruit.
Most Agua Frescas are not served over ice. Ice dilutes the fruit flavor and does not enhance the quality of the drink. If you like your beverages cold, chill the fruit and use very cold water or chill the prepared pitcher of Aqua Fresca in the refrigerator before serving.
A lime wedge garnish or a quick squeeze of fresh lime is perfectly acceptable.