On hot summer days, there’s nothing quite like a slice of chilled watermelon. But consider taking it up a notch: blend it with a mint-infused syrup for extra refreshment. This watermelon-mint agua fresca, served over ice and brightened with lime juice, invigorates like a splash of fresh water. Experiment with different melons like honeydew or cantaloupe, adjusting sweetness based on the fruit’s ripeness. This cool drink pairs beautifully as a counterbalance to spicy dishes like salsas or tacos. Originally crafted by Robin Bashinsky, this recipe is a perfect summer refresher.
To make the Mint Simple Syrup, you need:
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 1 cup water
– ½ cup packed fresh mint leaves, plus extra for garnish
For the Agua Fresca, gather:
– 8 cups chopped seedless watermelon (approximately 2½ pounds)
– 2 cups water
– ¼ cup fresh lime juice (from 3 limes)
Begin by combining sugar and water in a saucepan, cooking over high heat with occasional stirring until the sugar dissolves (about 4 to 5 minutes). After removing from heat, add mint leaves and let the mixture sit uncovered for 15 minutes, then strain into a bowl, discarding the mint. Chill the syrup until needed.
Next, process the watermelon in a blender until smooth. Strain the blended watermelon into a large pitcher (reserving any excess for another occasion), discarding the solids. Combine the strained watermelon juice, water, lime juice, and ½ cup of the mint syrup in a pitcher. Keep any leftover mint syrup for future use. To serve, pour over ice and garnish with sprigs of mint.
