Agua fresca (Spanish
for fresh water) is a popular
beverage in Mexico. A blend of puréed fruit, sugar, and water, there is nothing quite like it for quenching a thirst on a hot day. A rather large Caribbean red papaya that had been lurking in my fridge was calling my name, so I used it, but you can substitute almost any type of melon or other soft fruit using the same proportions.
Agua de Papaya
3 cups Melissa’s Caribbean red papaya, seeded, peeled,
coarsely chopped
3 cups water, divided
¼ - 1/3 cup sugar
¼ cup lime juice
Peel, seed, and coarsely chop the papaya and measure out 3 ample
cups. Purée cubed papaya and 1 cup of the water in a food
processor until very smooth. Strain mixture into a large pitcher; discard
pulp. Stir in remaining water (or you can use seltzer or club soda),
sugar, and lime juice. Pour the agua fresca over ice cubes into tall
glasses. For a bit of whimsy add a sugar cane swizzle stix to each
glass.
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