Agua Fresca de Sandia (Watermelon drink)

Ingredients

1/4 watermelon (about two quarts watermelon cubes

1/4 cup mint or basil leaves (optional)

1 cup water plus the juice from 2 limes or lemons

1/2 cup simple syrup (2 tablespoons sugar dissolved in 1/2 cup of hot water)

Note: instead of fresh citrus juice and simple syrup, you can use ‘¼ cup frozen juice concentrate (such as Minute Maid) dissolved in 1 cup of water.

Directions

Remove rind and cut watermelon flesh into cubes. Place watermelon cubes and mint in a blender with 1 cup of water and blend until the seeds have broken down. Note: you can remove the seeds beforehand if you prefer, but blending the seeds with the flesh gives the drink a slightly creamy texture.

Pour the obtained juice into a pitcher, through a strainer. Add citrus juice, simple syrup, and stir. Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour before serving in glasses with some ice cubes. Note: the pulp will separate and sink to the bottom after a while; that’s ok, most people prefer to’ drink the clear liquid only.

Submitted by Philippe Waterinkx, Tucson CSA