Saturday, August 16, 2008

Agua Fesca!

Watermelon Agua Fresca

What a beautiful summer drink. Very refreshing and very easy to blend together. All you need is a blender or food processor. Perfect fresh from the pitcher. Delightful with a splash or rum or any other favorite liquor.

3 lb watermelon (weight includes rind)
Pinch of salt
1/2 cup of simple syrup (based on preference and ripeness of the fruit)

Cut the rind from the water and remove any black seeds. Cut fruit into cubes and add to a blender or food processor. Mix until well blended. Stir in a pinch of salt and any syrup you like. Chill in the refrigerator and serve over ice.

Now, let's talk options...

1-2 limes, 1 to add juice to the watermelon and a second to garnish.

1 tsp Orange extract for a light floral note

Small handful of mint leaves, crushed or muddled in the bottom of the glass. Or add the mint to the simple syrup while that is boiling to extract the minty flavor. Remember; to make simple syrup, you add equal amounts of white sugar and water, boil until the sugar is dissolved.

What would you add?

Recipe from Local Flavors by Deborah Madison

3 comments:

Dancer in DC said...

Delicious and refreshing!

But we have since learned this is a now-or-never beverage. It doesn't keep well, so only make as much as you can drink in one sitting.

We also discussed that this would be great with some rum!

ScottE. said...

Dancer is correct. We made this on Saturday afternoon. When we went to have a glass on Sunday morning with breakfast, it had passed it's prime.

So, make it an hour before your guests arrive if you plan to serve at a party. It is really delicious and very worthy of the little bit of time to make!

And what a way to use some of your local watermelons!

Anonymous said...

Vodka.