Is the rain gone? I can get used to the warm sun. It’s been gorgeous in Coronado lately. Not raining cats and dogs. The dogs are now playing on the beach. Runners without sweater, reminding me to get my butt moving before summer comes. It might be safe to make Agua Fresca. Wouldn’t you say? This time, Agua de Melon, or Cantaloupe Agua Fresca.
Recently, I started splitting my time between the US and Mexico. It has been quite the cultural experience. I hate going to the grocery store in the US and seeing fruit that’s not ripe. Pretty sure you’ve all seen green bananas. Don’t eat them. They’re just gross. Ugh! In Mexico, fruit is picked ripe and hits the stores ready to eat. I’m talking so fresh that the merchant will bust out his machete and open up a coconut for you to drink. Wasting food is a big NO NO. That’s how Agua Fresca was born. It a way to stretch out our food. This Agua de Melon, or Cantaloupe Agua Fresca, is made with a ripe, juicy cantaloupe. Slice it up, and discard the peel.
How to tell if the cantaloupe is ripe:
No, don’t bring in your machete. Instead, smell the bottom of the cantaloupe. There’s a small, circular indentation. Smell it. If it smells like a cantaloupe, you’re in business. If not, move to the next one.
The cantaloupe is sweet, but the water is not. Add sugar
The consistency of the blended cantaloupe sugar mixture is thick. It’s extremely sweet because it’s condensed.
To thin it out, add the cantaloupe mixture to a large pitcher
Last but not least, add some ice cubes
- 1 cantaloupe, peeled and diced
- ½ cup sugar
- 6 cups water
- Ice
- Add cantaloupe and sugar to the blender.
- In a large pitcher, add the cantaloupe mixture and water.
- Stir to combine.
- Taste for good measure.
- Add ice.
- Serve and enjoy!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.
hal says
i’ve never heard of this but it looks so refreshing for summer i have to try it!
Maggie Unzueta says
It’s a favorite in my Mexico. Hope you try this. It’s delicious!
candy says
Now this is something I will be adding to our drinks for this summer.
Maggie Unzueta says
It’s perfect for summer!
Willow says
I have been to Mexico because I live about an hour from the border. I have yet to try the agua frescas though! I will just have to make my own! This sounds amazing, especially since I love cantaloupe.
Maggie Unzueta says
You’re going to love agua frescas. They’re the best way to cool down!
Christal says
Is this the same thing they sell along the road in the glass barrels?
Crystal // Dreams, etc. says
I never knew that’s how to tell if a cantaloupe is ripe. I’ll have to try that the next time I pick one out. 🙂
Maggie Unzueta says
Oh yeah! Give it a whiff. It’s the only way to get a ripe one.
Kate says
This sounds so delicious and refreshing! I will pin this and try it later!
Maggie Unzueta says
Hope you do! 🙂
Fabiola Rodriguez says
This is my favorite agua fresca to make in the summer 🙂