What better way to quench your thirst on a hot summer day than an ice cold agua fresca? Whether sitting on the back porch in Heritage Hills or overlooking the city from Vineyard Estates, this simple recipe will help cool the throat and satisfy the pallet when that high desert sun is blazing down on Albuquerque.
Step 1: Cut watermelon into cubes and place in a large bowl. The leftover watermelon in the refrigerator the kids didn’t finish works well since it’s already chilled.
Step 2: Blend watermelon for 1-2 minutes.
Step 3: Pour the liquified watermelon through a strainer and into a large bowl or container.
Step 4: Heat one part sugar and one part water over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. This recipe uses a half cup of water and a half cup of sugar. Do NOT boil or heat too long or the sugar will caramelize. Pour mixture into bowl of liquefied watermelon and stir.
Step 5: Pour mixture into a pitcher and refrigerate.
Step 5: Spread granulated sugar or Tajín onto a plate or bowl. Dip the rim of a drinking glass in water or Chamoy and then slowly rotate the rim of the glass in the sugar or Tajín. Add ice to the glass and pour watermelon mixture into the glass.
Step 6: Add fresh mint, watermelon wedges, or other garnishes for extra flavor. Additional cubes of watermelon can be added for a chunkier texture. Place reusable straw into glass. The straw can also be dipped in Chamoy and Tajín to spice it up a bit.
Step 7: Enjoy!
