Cantaloupe Agua Fresca

Forget about sports drinks and sodas. When I need something cool and refreshing, I grab an agua fresca! A simple mixture of fruit puree, water, lime juice and a dash of sugar and you've got the perfect summertime drink.

Yield: about 2 liters

Author Maryanne Cabrera

Ingredients

10 cups cantaloupe (about 2 medium cantaloupes), cut into chunks
3 cups water
3 Tablespoons fresh lime juice
5 Tablespoons granulated sugar, or more according to taste
ice, for serving
mint leaves, for garnish

Instructions

In a blender, puree cantaloupe until smooth. Pour through a fine strainer (or cheesecloth) to separate the pulp*. You should end up with about 4 1/2 cups strained juice. Discard pulp, or freeze into ice cubes for your drink.
Pour liquid cantaloupe into a large pitcher. Add water and lime juice. Stir to comine. Sweetened with sugar according to taste. Keep chilled in the fridge until ready to serve.

Recipe Notes

I like to strain the puree twice to get a nice clear liquid.
I personally like to add salt to all my fruits, so I add a pinch of salt to my agua fresca. I think it helps bring out the bright flavors of the fruit.