I was introduced to aguas frescas on a backpacking trip I took through Costa Rica just out of college. Literally, meaning fresh waters, this drink will revive anyone after a sweltering trek in the jungle. Even if your not working quite that hard, you can enjoy this refreshing drink, when summer fruits are at their ripest, guilt free because its sweetened only by nature. In Latino countries they will offer you a choice: con agua o leche. For safety reasons I choose milk during my stay, but I think I prefer it anyway. It's more like a creamy milkshake, but the water version is lighter and just as tasty. You can squeeze a lime in it if you'd like, but I'm a purist- and please don't add sugar. If it doesn't taste sweet to you, your fruit wasn't ripe enough or you need to reset your taste buds. I think the best time to make agua frescas is when your cut fruit is just starting to get mushy and watery. It hasn't gone bad yet, but the texture just isn't as appetizing as it was day 1. Since I tend to be seduced at the farmer's market by melons and stone fruits, and I end up buying more than a family of 4 could ever eat, this happens often. We tend to have 2-3 c. of cubed fruit left at the end of the week and I puree each fruit separately and we all pick our favorite flavors. And I of course top it with a splash of creamy milk, both cow and almond are great. For a larger amount, using fresher fruit, I would add 2-3 c. of water per 5c. of fruit, unless you are using watermelon, which is such a high water content you may not to need any extra water at all. But the drink should have a thin water like consistency. If it seems like a smoothie its way to thick.
Watermelon, honeydew, and strawberry are classic flavors, but pineapple, mango, peach, and cantaloupe work well also. It can be paired with basil, mint or vanilla, but again I'm a purist. Of course, if you were to spike it with prosecco or vodka, I probably wouldn't complain. Experiment and see what your favorites are.
Agua Fresca: SandÃa (makes 4-6 servings)
6c. chopped watermelon
Optional: Juice of 1 lime
Handful of mint leaves, divided
1/4c. milk
Puree 6 c. chopped watermelon. If desired, muddle 1/4 juice of lime and mint leaves in the bottom of each glass. Fill with ice. Pour the watermelon puree over the ice and top with a splash of milk if desired.
