Melon Coolers
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I got some great recommendations after I posted the last Agua Fresca recipe, and this was another great suggestion! The honeydew I bought was bad when I cut into it, so I used only cantaloupe. It was nice and refreshing – perfect for the really hot weather we’ve had lately.
Melon Coolers
Gourmet August 2009
yield: Makes 8 drinks
active time: 15 min
total time: 2 1/4 hr
Mexican aguas frescas, or “fresh waters,” made from all kinds of fresh fruit, flowers, or herbs, are a great way to beat the heat. This cantaloupe version gets additional vim from a splash of club soda.
1 (4-pound) cantaloupe, seeded and cut into 1-inch cubes (about 8 cups)
1 1/2 cups water
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon sugar
1 quart chilled club soda or seltzer
Garnish: lime wedges; honeydew melon slices
Purée cantaloupe in batches with water in a blender. Transfer to a colander lined with a kitchen towel (not terry cloth) or fine cheesecloth set over a deep bowl and let drain 1 hour. Gather ends of towel and very gently squeeze any remaining juice from melon, then discard solids.
Stir in lime juice, sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt and chill 1 hour.
Divide among 8 (10-ounces) glasses and top off with club soda.
MacGourmet: 4 Stars
Ashley
Ashley Covelli is a food photographer, recipe developer, and culinary instructor based in Ossining, New York. She loves helping people become enthusiastic and adventurous in the kitchen so that they can build skills and confidence to cook for themselves and their loved ones. She can almost always be found with at least 3 different beverages within arm's reach.
