This Will Make It All Better

This life-saving recipe and post are a result of a) the overwhelming heat and humidity of Oklahoma b) a giant container of cheese balls, gorged on and finished and c) 1/4 of a small watermelon that was a bit too grainy.

Aqua Fresca

3 - 4 cups fresh fruit, coarsely chopped
6 - 8 cups water
1/4 - 3/4 cups sugar
2 T - 1/4 cup lime juice (optional)

1. Add the fruit and 2 - 3 cups of water to the blender. Blend until smooth. Strain through a sieve/cheese cloth/thin dish towel (hey don't judge).
2. Add the rest of the water, paying attention to taste. Add sugar 1/4 cup at a time, paying attention to taste. Add lime juice if it seems a little boring. 

Serve chilled!

Note 1: This is not fruit juice. It's not supposed to have a really strong taste, think lemon water...
Note 2: Try this! It is very common in Mexico and more refreshing than soda or water.
Note 3: In Mexico this always seemed to be served in a huge glass/plastic barrel-looking container. Should you have a giant, empty cheese ball container this will also work.

Options:

• Agua de Sandia - watermelon (my favorite)
• Agua de Melo - cantaloupe or other melon (way better than you're expecting)
• Aqua de Fresa - strawberry
• Aqua de Papaya - papaya (add lime to this one)
• Aqua Fresca de Pepino - cucumber (peel and seed and use lime)

You're Welcome!