Watermelon Cucumber Mint Agua Fresca

Let’s face it. It’s HOT out there. And anything cool, fizzy and fresh is right up my alley (no pun intended) — especially when it combines all the best flavors of summer: mint leaves, cucumber and watermelon.
Agua fresca (which translates to “fresh water”) is a common drink found throughout Mexico. Not only can you find it in a variety of flavors, but it is also light, refreshing, and the perfect thirst quencher on a hot summer day.
Salud!

Ingredients:6-8 lb. seedless watermelon, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cucumber, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves
2 cups cold water or chilled club soda, divided
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
1 tablespoon agave nectar or honey (if desired)
Ice
Directions:
Combine half the watermelon, cucumber, mint and 1 cup of water in a blender, and puree. Pour through a strainer and into a pitcher. Repeat with the remaining fruit, mint and water. Stir in the lime juice (and sweetener if desired). Pour into ice-filled glasses, garnish with lime slices and mint, and serve. You could certainly add a shot of vodka or tequila to this recipe as well.
Ahhhhhh. Now that’s summer in a glass!
Allyson Williams
JaltembaBayLife.com, a community website for Rincon de Guayabitos, La Penita and Los Ayala