Few things capture the feeling of summer quite like an ice-cold agua fresca made with perfectly ripe watermelon. This refreshing watermelon-cucumber version is light, cooling, and wonderfully hydrating, with fresh lime adding brightness and cucumber bringing a subtle garden-fresh flavor.
Popular throughout Mexico and the Southwest, agua frescas are simple fruit-based drinks designed for hot afternoons and relaxed outdoor meals. A touch of chili-lime seasoning on the rim adds a savory contrast that makes the sweetness of the watermelon shine even more. This is the kind of drink that disappears quickly at picnics, backyard gatherings, and warm evenings on the patio.
INGREDIENTS:
4 cups seeded watermelon, cubed
2½ cups cold filtered water, divided
4 cups seeded watermelon, cubed
2½ cups cold water, divided
1 cup cucumber, peeled and chopped
¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon chili-lime seasoning, such as Tajín®
1 lime wedge
Ice, as needed
4 small watermelon slices, for garnish
4 lime slices, for garnish
METHOD:
Place the watermelon and 1½ cups of the water into a blender. Blend on high speed until smooth, about 1 minute.
Add the cucumber, lime juice, and sugar. Blend again until completely smooth.
Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a large pitcher, pressing gently with a spatula or spoon to extract as much liquid as possible. This step creates the smooth, refreshing texture that makes agua fresca so enjoyable.
Stir in the remaining 1 cup cold water. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
To prepare the glasses, sprinkle the chili-lime seasoning onto a small plate. Rub the rims of the glasses with the lime wedge, then dip the rims into the seasoning.
Fill each glass with ice and pour in the chilled agua fresca. Garnish with watermelon slices and lime wheels before serving.
NOTES: For the best flavor, choose a deeply ripe, sweet watermelon with plenty of juice. English cucumber works especially well here because it has fewer seeds and a milder flavor. Adjust the sugar to taste depending on the sweetness of the melon.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
Serve alongside grilled foods, tacos, summer salads, or spicy dishes. This agua fresca is also wonderful for brunches, picnics, and gatherings on warm afternoons.
YIELD: 4 servings
