Cantaloupe Agua Fresca

I found myself with 3 cantaloupes on my kitchen counter. I had already eaten one and was not enticed by the idea of eating 3 more plain. Last summer I made this Cantaloupe Ginger Sorbet which was fantastic, but opted for an agua fresca instead.

An agua fresca (fresh water), most commonly found in Mexico, is just fruit blended with water and sugar to make a super refreshing beverage. I used honey instead of sugar and found the peach-colored drink to capture the melon in all its juicy, summery glory. The pinch of salt and acidic lime cuts the honey sweetness in just the right way.

Use more or less honey to taste as it really depends on how sweet the cantaloupes are to begin with. This would be great with a summer brunch or barbecue and comes together in no time flat.

For about 6 servings:

• 7 cups cantaloupe cut into 3-inch pieces
• 3 cups cold water
• 1/4 - 1/3 cup honey, to taste
• Pinch of salt
• The juice of 1 lime
• Lime wedges, for garnish

In a food processor combine the cantaloupe and 1 cup of the water. Process until very smooth, about 1 minute. Pour the cantaloupe puree through a sieve into a bowl, discarding any solids. Stir in the honey, lime juice, and remaining 2 cups of water. Refrigerate for one hour and then serve, over ice, garnished with lime wedges.

The agua fresca will keep for 2 days.