Summer's Nectar: Agua Fresca

Forget the Vitamin Water and artificially flavored waters that drain your college  budget and offer little flavor. Yes...I am pushing more "water drinking" this summer as well as cutting out sodas from the college consumption this week on the blog, because so many great alternatives exist with seasonal produce, melons and fruit.

As the hot and humid weather begins to settle in, try out one of South America's most refreshing drinks: Agua Fresca. If you have a bowl, sieve, and blender...this is a cinch!

(I used a combination of recipes from Whole Foods, the Food Network, and my own ideas)

Watermelon-Mint Agua Fresca

Equipment:

Blender or bullet
(if you don't have a blender...mash it and strain it)

Ingredients:

1/2 medium ripe watermelon

3 cups ice cold water

Juice of one lime

1 Tbls agave syrup plus to taste

Extras:
--strawberries
--basil
--mint
--jalapeno slices

Instructions:

1. Wash your hands.

2. Chop watermelon in 1-2" chunks.

3. Pulse in batches in magic bullet or full blender.

4. Strain liquid mixture with mint and discard pulp.

5. Add lime juice. 

6. Add agave to taste.

7. Add herbs, ie mint or basil

7. Add extras here: strawberries, jalapeno, basil

8. Add to a glass filled with ice!

Spiced Watermelon Bites

Headed to the blistering sun of Florida, and I can't wait. Keeping cool becomes the challenge as you come in from the beach, or just going to the store! And there's nothin' better than ice cold watermelon for coolin' you down! Eat it straight up, but if you want some extra kick...spice it up with Tajin and lime for extra flavor. 

You'll see!

Watermelon With Tajin & Lime

Equipment:

Cutting Board & Knife

Ingredients:

Fresh watermelon, either pre-cut or carved yourself

Tajin Chili Salt

Limes

Instructions:

1. Wash your hands.

2. Prepare the watermelon in bite size pieces.

3. Place into a shallow plate.

4. Spritz with 1/2 to 1 whole lime.

5. Sprinkle with chili salt.

6. Sit back and cool off.