Fresh fruit drinks are very popular all over Mexico and are served from large barrel-shaped
glass containers. Agua Fresca or Aguas de Frutas - literally translated in Spanish as "fresh water" or "fruit waters."
In India, this delicious watermelon drink is called Tarbooj Ka Sharbat.
These wonderful drinks are light-bodied and very refreshing fruit drinks made from whatever fruit is in season combined with sweetener (traditionally sugar)
and water. A very refreshing and cooling summer drink and a refreshing alternative to iced tea or lemonade. Also check out
Watermelon in Rose-Lime Syrup.
Check out more of Linda's
Beverage Recipes and this
Basic Simple Syrup Recipe for sweetening your favorite drinks.
Watermelon Agua Fresca Recipe
Recipe Type:
Beverage,
Watermelon,
Diet
Cuisine: Mexican
Yields: 2 servings
Prep time: 5 min
Ingredients:
2 cups cold water
2 cups watermelon (rind removed), seeded and chopped*
2 tablespoons granulated sugar**
Juice of 1/2 lime (no more than 1 tablespoon)
Ice cubes or crushed ice (optional)
* To choose a watermelon, look for one that is firm,
heavy for its size, free of bruises and cuts and creamy yellow on the side that
sat on the ground as it grew. Cut watermelon can be stored, covered, in refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
** The amount of sweetener needed will vary depending
on the sweetness of the fruit you are using. Some may not require any at all.
Sugar substitutes may be used to reduce calories further.
Preparation:
Cut the watermelon into
roughly 1-inch cubes. If you're using other fruits, prepare them accordingly,
removing seeds or skins and cutting into small pieces if necessary.
In a blender or food processor, combine
water, watermelon, sugar, and lime juice until smooth. NOTE: Traditionally an authentic aqua frescas are made
without blenders and done by simply mashing the fruit with a fork or masher
before adding the water and sweetener.
Pour mixture through a
strainer into a pitcher, forcing through most of the pulp. Chill at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve with or without ice cubes.
As a decorative touch, add slices or chunks of matching fruit just before serving.
Makes 2 servings.
Variations:
-
Agua de Melon - Use cantaloupe or any other melon
-
Agua de Fresa - Use strawberries - Check out
Strawberry Agua Fresca
-
Agua de Papaya - Use papaya with the addition of some lime juice
-
Agua de Pina - Use pineapple - Check out
Mexican Pineapple Water - Agua de Pina
-
Agua Fresca de Pepino - Use peeled, and seeded cucumbers with the addition of lime juice.
Watermelon Facts:
Did you know that watermelon is actually a vegetable and not a fruit? It is
also related to the pumpkin, cucumber and the squash.
Did you know that every part of the watermelon, including the seeds and the rind is edible? Also a Watermelon consists of 92% water and 8% sugar?
The natural juices are a great alternative to alcohol and also to unhealthy soft drinks. The watermelon and melon have diuretic properties,
assisting in kidney function.
Consumption of watermelon is believed to increase the immune resistance of an individual since it is rich in antioxidants. It is
also believed that eating watermelon helps in improving the eyesight of an individual. Watermelons are a rich source of antioxidants,
thereby preventing the risk of heart attacks in individuals. They are also associated with reducing the risk of diabetes and asthma
