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Epicurious

Melon Coolers

4.4

(8)

Image may contain Drink Beverage Juice Lemonade Beer Alcohol Cocktail and Orange Juice
Photo by John Kernick

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.

Cooks' note:

Drink, without club soda, can be made 4 days ahead and chilled. Add soda just before serving.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    2 1/4 hr

  • Yield

    Makes 8 drinks

Ingredients

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

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    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.

    Step 2

    Stir in lime juice, sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt and chill 1 hour.

    Step 3

    Divide among 8 (10-ounces) glasses and top off with club soda.

TagsAgua FrescaBeveragesCold DrinkMexicanLatin AmericanCantaloupeMelonFruitNonalcoholicMake Ahead5 Ingredients or FewerBlenderSummerGourmet

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