agua fresca con sandia

We went to a restaurant recently, Porque No?, and it was, and is, amazing.  The house made chips and guacamole, the tacos,  everything was so very good.  The most surprising thing I loved was the agua fresca.  They had three types, all house made, and we chose the watermelon.  I think I died a little when I drank it, and have since been pining for some more — especially as I sit in a very warm house the last few days.  So, I bought a small watermelon and went to town.  It’s quite easy to make, specifically since you can tailor it to your taste preferences by adding just a bit of water, or thinning it down considerably, all to your liking.  Depending on the sweetness of your watermelon (mine was meh), you can add sugar in the same fashion.  Traditionally agua fresca is made from mashing the fruit with a fork, not with a blender.  I started out that way, but my fruit was only semi soft and I was a lot impatient.  So I blended it in my Cuisinart and it worked well.

Since we had bought a second watermelon, Addy and I had a bit of fun with it. She kept laughing saying, “it hurts, it hurts!”  You don’t know how correct you are  Addy.  It does hurt like hell.  I thought I had a bit more time before this happened to her. Then I attacked her and ate her.  And no, I’m not pregnant.

Agua Fresca con sandia (fresh water with watermelon)

1 watermelon (mine was about 8lbs) or other melon of your choice
1/4 - 1/3 c sugar (I added a tablespoon at a time and ended with 6T)
2 cups cold water
Juice of 1 lime

Cut the watermelon in 1 inch cubes, then mash well with a fork or blend to a puree.  Push through a fine mesh strainer, using the back of spoon to force the pulp through.  Add the cold water in small portions, tasting as you go along to your liking. I went for a less watered down, more intense flavor.  Add the sugar in similar fashion to your desired sweetness. Add the lime juice, and stir. Allow to refrigerate for 30 minutes, as the flavors seem to set and perk up after cooling.  Serve with or without ice, garnished with pieces of fruit OR add a splash of rum or vodka for a lovely, refreshing adult beverage (that’s what I did!). I am excited to try this recipe with cantaloupe and honeydew, both sound wonderful right now in my heat induced coma.  I also read a recipe online that used rose water, which would be an interesting addition if you have it.

Tagged as: agua fresca, summer drinks, watermelon