Agua Fresca: Watermelon & Cucumber
August 20th, 2009 | Published in Beverage Recipes, Fruit Recipes
In Mexico, every street corner seems to host a vendor selling one of these simple, remarkably refreshing coolers. Likely due to Mexico’s astounding array of lush and luscious fruits, most locals would still rather quench their thirst with one of these fresh concoctions than a soda. I think you’ll feel the same.
The bright flavor of this beverage relies on perfectly ripe ingredients and good water. That’s it. They’re sweetened with simple syrup which is the classic way to sweeten any cold drink or cocktail. You can find the basic recipe for simple syrup here on the blog. Agua Fresca is such a delicious, summery way to use up overbearing watermelon plants or cucumber vines. It will keep for several days in the refrigerator.
photo Colleen Duffley
The Basic Methodology
- Purée fruit and water.
- Strain.
- Add more water and a little sweetener.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 2 to 24 hours.
Agua de Sandia (Watermelon)
Makes about 2 quarts
- 4 cups diced watermelon
- Cold water
- 1/4 to 3/4 cup simple syrup
- 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- Kosher salt
- Lime wedges or melon wedges
- Purée the watermelon with 2 cups cold water in a blender.
- Strain the purée through a sieve into a large pitcher.
- Add 3 more cups of cold water, 1/4 cup (or up to 3/4 cup) simple syrup, the lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir to blend. Add more simple syrup or water as needed.
- Serve very cold with a wedge of lime or melon.
Agua de Pepino (Cucumber)
Makes about 2 quarts
- 3 large cucumbers, peeled and chopped
- Cold still or sparkling water
- 3 to 4 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup to 3/4 cup simple syrup
- Kosher salt (optional)
- Chili powder (optional)
- Purée the cucumber with 1 1/2 cups of cold water in a blender.
- Strain the purée through a sieve into a large pitcher.
- Add 3 to 4 more cups of cold still or sparkling water, the lime juice, and about 1/4 cup (or up to 3/4 cup) of simple syrup. Add a pinch of salt or chili powder, if desired. Stir to blend. Add more simple syrup or water as needed.
- Serve very cold.
