I thought I'd share a fresh, fruit-flavored non-alcoholic drink with you this week. This drink is refreshing and light- and it's from my new book, Happy Herbivore Abroad.
Aqua Frescas are popular fruit-flavored, non-alcoholic drinks in Mexico. The best way I can describe it is as water infused with the flavor of fruit, in contrast to a fruit juice or a smoothie. My favorite fruit to use is watermelon, but you can use mango, strawberries, peaches, papaya, cantaloupe, or any fruit that can be pureed into a silky smooth consistency. I also love it with cucumber, especially if you add fresh mint leaves to the pitcher.
Ingredients: *Makes 1 Quart* 2 c chopped fruit, 4 c water, sweetener (optional), 1 lime (optional), cheesecloth or sieve
Instructions: Combine fruit with 1 cup of water in your blender, pureeing until silky smooth, adding up to 1 cup more water if necessary. Wrap cheesecloth around your blender container (or use a sieve) and strain the juice from the blender into a pitcher. I find the best option is to get it all in a cheesecloth and then squeeze it out using my hands.Add 2 cups of water, or more if you prefer a more diluted drink to the pitcher (to taste). You can also add sweetener such as agave nectar or raw sugar if you wish and lime juice, to taste (traditionally, 1/4 cup lime juice is added). Mix to combine and serve chilled, over ice.
