Melon Nectarine Agua Fresca
You can use any kind of melon that’s available to you during the season. Agua fresca is generally quite thin – the name means “fresh water.”
I like it a little spicy, so top it with a dusting of red pepper powder. Of course, you could turn this into a cocktail with a shot (or two) of tequila. However you serve it, make sure it’s well-chilled and served over plenty of ice.
- 1 small melon (2-pounds, 900g), peeled and seeded
- 2 yellow or white nectarines, pitted and sliced
- 2 cups (0.5L) water
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar, preferably an unrefined sugar (see Note)
- juice of half a lime
- Puree all the ingredients together in a blender until very smooth.
- Pass the mixture through a mesh strainer, pressing it through with a flexible spatula. Chill the agua fresca mixture thoroughly.
- Serve well-chilled over ice. Dust with red pepper powder, if desired.
Notes
Note: I used cassonade blonde, which is a light-colored natural cane sugar. Similar sugars include demerara and turbinado.