Cantaloupe Aguas Fresca

 Cantaloupe aguas fresca is a light and refreshing summer beverage, naturally sweetened with cantaloupe juice instead of sugar! 

If you feel like getting fancy, try my aguas frescas, a drink I love to make in the summer with fresh, ripe melon. Aguas frescas translates to fresh waters. Most recipes call for juicing the fruit or blending and straining it, which is much too labor intensive for me. Since melons are nice and watery, you can simply throw it into a blender. Plus, you don't lose the fiber this way. You could even add chia seeds and let it sit for a few minutes to make a chia fresca.

Cantaloupe Aguas Fresca

Makes 4-6 glasses

Also delicious made with watermelon or a really sweet honeydew.

Ingredients

  • 1 cantaloupe

  • Juice of 1 lemon or lime

  • Fresh mint leaves

  • Seltzer or coconut water

Instructions

  1. Cut the cantaloupe in half. Scoop away the seeds and discard. Cut away the rind and cut the melon flesh into cubes. Place in the blender. Add the lemon or lime juice and blend until pureed.

  2. Place 5-10 mint leaves in the bottom of a tall glass. Smush them lightly with a muddler to release the mint essence. Fill the glass with ice. Fill it halfway with melon puree. Top off with either seltzer or coconut water. Serve immediately, garnished with additional lemon, lime or mint if desired.