Watermelon Agua Fresca

Hello readers! I hope everyone had a great weekend and did something fun this past week. Stuart and I just got back on Wednesday night from a nearly week-long vacation at my family's cabin in Twin Lakes, CA. It was a long drive to get there (about 7.5 hours), but once there we were surrounded by pine trees, alpine lakes, and a complete absence of cell phone service or internet. I was a bit worried at first to be disconnected from work, but it was absolutely glorious.

My sister Anna and her boyfriend, Sam, were able to join us all the way from New York City for several days of the trip. It was amazing to have a mini family reunion at a place that is so special to all of us. We spent the time together how we do best: with lots of waffles, barbeque, homemade apricot pie, vegetables from my parents' garden, fish caught in Yosemite rivers...and of course lots of hiking in between.

Now I just want the summer fun to continue forever. What better way to do that then by making this watermelon agua fresca? Something about homemade cocktails and beverages just hits the summertime sweet spot. The plus? You can add tequila or vodka for a little grown-up kick.

 

Ingredients:
8 cups seedless watermelon cubes
6 tablespoons honey or agave nectar
1/3 cup fresh lime juice plus 1 sliced lime
A few sprigs mint or rosemary
Ice cubes

Directions:
Puree watermelon in blender. Strain into bowl through a fine-mesh sieve. Stir in honey and lime juice. Stir in 1-1/2 cups water, lime slices and mint. Chill thoroughly then serve over ice.  

 

 

Add a sprig of rosemary to each glass for a fancy flair!