Melon Auga Fresca

By stancec44

The resulting agua fresca, made from watermelon, cantaloupe and fresh basil, is far better than the traditional grab-and-go vending-machine soda. Ladle it into Mason jars for drinking on the move. Or, if you’re staying put, spike it with vodka.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large basil leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon zest plus juice of 1 lime (save the squeezed fruit halves)
• 1/2 medium cantaloupe, rind removed and flesh coarsely chopped
• 1/2 small honeydew melon, rind removed and flesh coarsely chopped
• 1/2 cup sparkling water
• Ice
• Vodka (optional)

Preparation

Step 1

1. Use a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder to grind together the sugar, basil and lime zest until finely ground. Transfer to a small plate and set aside.

2. In a blender, purée the cantaloupe and honeydew, then strain through a fine mesh sieve and into a pitcher. Stir in the lime juice and sparkling water.

3. Halve the squeezed lime halves and use them to rim 4 tall glasses. Dip the rim into the prepared sugar mixture. Add a few ice cubes (or crushed ice) to each glass and then pour the agua fresca over the ice. Serve.