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Vibrant Cantaloupe Agua Fresca – vegetarian recipe
Stav Kogan

Vibrant Cantaloupe Agua Fresca

Forget sugary sodas! This vibrant Cantaloupe Agua Fresca is pure sunshine in a glass. Using the natural sweetness of ripe cantaloupe, this simple, hydrating cooler is ridiculously easy to make and is the ultimate thirst-quencher.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 -8 serving
Calories: 157
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • (Serves 6-8)
  • 5½ lbs / 2.5 kg (5.51 lb) ripe cantaloupe, about 3 medium
  • 1 to 1½ cups / 240 to 360 ml (12.2 fl oz) cold water, plus more as needed
  • ¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fl oz) honey, or to taste
  • 10 to 12 large ice cubes
  • Pick a cantaloupe that feels heavy for its size and has a sweet, musky aroma at the stem end. A creamy, beige-colored rind with a well-defined 'netting' is a good sign of ripeness.
  • For a vegan version, swap the honey for agave nectar or maple syrup. You can also skip the sweetener altogether if your melon is extra sweet.
  • Elevate your agua fresca by adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a zesty kick, or muddle a few fresh mint leaves in the bottom of your glass before pouring.
  • This refreshing cooler is the perfect counterpoint to spicy dishes, especially Mexican or Thai cuisine. Its sweetness beautifully balances the heat.

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Cantaloupe: Carefully peel the cantaloupes, scoop out the seeds, and chop the vibrant orange flesh into manageable chunks.
  2. Blend to Perfection: Working in batches, add the cantaloupe chunks to a high-speed blender.
  3. Add a splash of the cold water to help it get started and blend until completely smooth.
  4. Pour the purée into a large pitcher and repeat with the remaining fruit.
  5. Sweeten and Chill: Once all the cantaloupe is blended, stir the honey into the pitcher until it's fully dissolved.
  6. Add the ice cubes, give it a final stir, and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  7. Adjust and Serve: Before serving, give the agua fresca a taste. If it's too thick, stir in a little more cold water until it reaches your desired consistency.
  8. Pour into glasses and enjoy immediately!

Nutrition

Calories: 157kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 2.6gFat: 0.5g

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