Watermelon Agua Fresca

Watermelon Agua Fresca

This refreshing drink is served by roadside vendors all over Mexico. Not too much fruit, not too much sugar, just a beautiful way to quench your thirst on a summer day.
Makes about 10 cups
ACTIVE TIME: 15 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 4 1/4 hours (including 4 hours chilling time)
EASE OF PREPARATION: Easy

Ingredients

8 cups cubed seeded watermelon (about 6 pounds with the rind), divided

1 cup water, divided

1/3 cup sugar, divided

1/4 cup fresh lime juice

1 liter (4 cups) club soda or seltzer water, well chilled

Lime slices for garnish

Directions

1. Combine half the watermelon, half the water and half the sugar in a blender; puree. Pour through a coarse strainer into a large container. Repeat with the remaining watermelon, water and sugar. Stir in lime juice. Refrigerate until well chilled, about 4 hours.

2. To serve, stir in club soda (or seltzer) and garnish with lime.

NUTRITION INFORMATION:

Per cup: 64 calories; 0 g fat (0 g sat, 0 g mono); 0 mg cholesterol; 16 g carbohydrate; 1 g protein; 1 g fiber; 2 mg sodium; 144 mg potassium. Nutrition bonus: Vitamin C (30% daily value), Vitamin A (15% dv).Exchanges: 1 fruit; 1 Carbohydrate Serving.

MAKE AHEAD TIP: Prepare through Step 1, cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Submitted by Shel