Growing up in the northeast my summer refresher options were normally iced tea, lemonade or soda - not too much variety and not too many fresh ingredients. After living in California and eating in many tacquerias, I have come to know the agua fresca and I am a better person for it.

Okay, maybe not a better person, but certainly a more refreshed individual. The great thing about agua fresca is that the fruit is pureed (instead of juiced), so you get all of the benefits of the whole food and a more prolonged energy boost (versus a sugar rush). This recipe can be used with any soft fruit (cantelope, strawberry, mango, papaya) but watermelon is by far my favorite.

I’ve been picking up absolutely beautiful and juicy yellow watermelons at the Berkeley Farmers Market, but a standard red variety will be just as tasty. I deviated from traditional agua fresca recipes by cutting the sugar in half and substituting agave syrup, which gives a nice, complex sweet flavor.

When I shared this batch with my neighbors they commented on how it would be a perfect mixer for a watermelon frescatini - so, if you’re having a party, go ahead and shake it up in a cocktail. And if you need another watermelon party refresher, check out Tiffany’s recipe for Watermelon Rum Coladas at The Garden Apartment.

Watermelon Agua Fresca
(Makes about a gallon)

• 3 cups water
• 1/3 cup agave nectar
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 ripe medium watermelon
• Juice of 1 lime

In a small saucepan, bring 1 ½ cups of water to a boil. Add the agave nectar and sugar and stir until resolved. Remove from the heat and allow the syrup to cool.

Slice the watermelon, discard the rinds, and remove as many seeds as possible. Place the slices in a large bowl and mash using a potato masher (alternatively, pulse in a food processor). I prefer a somewhat smooth consistency with some chunks.

Add the remaining 1 ½ cups of water to the syrup. Combine the syrup with the watermelon puree, add the lime juice and stir until all ingredients are well incorporated. Taste and adjust with more sugar/agave, lime or water.

Serve over ice. The watermelon agua fresca is best when consumed the same day.