Watermelon "Agua Fresca"

Watermelon Agua Fresca

An agua fresca is kind of like a lemonade or limeade, but is made with a variety of different fruits including mango, papaya and tamarindo.  This agua fresca is made with fresh watermelon and is about as sweet and refreshing as a summer drink can be.

You will need:

1/3 fresh whole watermelon, preferably seedless (or one whole mini seedless watermelon is perfect)

cold, purified water

sugar (or I like to substitute liquid Stevia, an all-natural sweetener)

*and a blender!*

Cut the green and white parts of the watermelon rind away, leaving just the pink flesh.  Chop the pink part into small cubes.  (This will make it easier to blend.  If your watermelon has seeds, be sure to remove them at this stage.)  Add cubes to blender, cover and liquefy.  Pour the watermelon juice mixture through a strainer--you can use a sugar sifter--right into the pitcher of your choice.  Add cold water, approximately 1/3 of the pitcher, to fill.  Add sugar (or liquid Stevia, I used about 20 drops) to taste and stir well. The amount of water and sugar will vary depending on the sweetness of your watermelon and your preference.

Keep refrigerated and covered for up to 3 days.

Although the watermelon agua fresca is great on its own as a pool-side treat, it's also a great mixer for cocktails.  Add an ounce and a half of tequila, an ounce of triple sec, the juice of half of a lime and a splash of sweet and sour mix for a great watermelon margarita.  Another idea is to add a smooth vodka, like Savvy Texas Vodka, approximately 4 ounces watermelon to 2 ounces vodka and a squeeze of lime served either up or on the rocks.