WATERMELON AGUA FRESCA

Down our way, watermelons are still everywhere this late summer.  And those sweet little seedless ones are perfect for cool watermelon drinks on lingering  warm days.  Agua fresca, the sweet, fruit, lime, ice-cold favorite—is about as easy to make, for one glass or a batch, as any summer cooler.  And as the aperitivo hour approaches, a little tequila and a salt-rimmed glass, turns this daytime cooler into an evening cocktail.  Recipe fills a small pitcher.

• 4 cups cut-up watermelon—no seeds
• 2 cups cold water
• lime juice—about ¼ cup
• 2-3 tblsp honey or agave syrup
• Lime slices or mint leaves for garnish

Put watermelon pieces, honey or syrup and 1 cup water in blender—blend until smooth.  Either strain the mixture into a pitcher, or leave unstrained for a drink with a little pulp.  Add the second cup of water to the pitcher—then add a little lime juice and stir well.  Taste for sweetness and lime flavor and adjust to taste.  Pour watermelon agua fresca into ice-filled glasses—and garnish.

The Kitchen Hive