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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." 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
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 Liinda's
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 Aqua Fresca - Nutritional Information
I cannot guarantee the accuracy of the below
information. All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a
substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should
seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician before
starting a new fitness regimen. |
|
Item |
Amount |
Fat Grams |
Calories |
WW Points |
|
watermelon |
2 cups |
0 |
80 |
2 |
|
sugar (may sub. Splenda) |
2 tablespoons |
0 |
96 |
2 |
|
lime juice |
1 tablespoon |
0 |
10 |
0 |
|
Recipe
Totals |
|
0 |
186 |
4 |
Recipe makes 2
servings.
Per Serving - 0 fat grams, 93
calories, 2 WW
points |
|
