In the Kitchen with Sigona’s Featuring: Fresh Watermelon Beverages
Watermelon Agua Fresca
Agua Fresca is a light, refreshing fruit juice which originated in Mexico. This thirst-quencher is made by simply blending fruit with water and adding in a bit of lime. We like mint in ours, too. Add vodka or don’t; we’ll leave it up to you. Makes about 5 cups; serves 2 to 4.
Ingredients:
- 5 cups 1-inch-cubed watermelon
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups water
- 3 limes; 2 juiced, 1 sliced
- 1 to 2 Tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves
- Optional: 1 Tbsp Agave nectar or honey, to taste (you may not need it at all)
- Ice, for serving
Directions: Working in batches if necessary, blend the melon, water and lime juice until smooth. Pour the mixture through a fine sieve (preferably mesh), pressing down on the pulp to extract as much juice as possible.
Note: Some like pulp, others don’t. Strain the mixture as much or as little as you wish.
To a pitcher, add the chopped mint and lime slices. Pour the juice mixture into the pitcher and stir to combine. Test the agua fresca for sweetness; add agave or honey if desired. Allow mixture to chill and sit for about 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend. Add ice to pitcher just before serving.
To serve: Add ice to individual glasses and pour the agua fresca over the top.
Watermelon & Raspberry White Sangria
Cool off with a glass of watermelon and raspberry sangria! We love using the Sauvignon Blanc by The Great American Wine Company from Rosenblum Cellars as it has a hint of peaches in its flavor profile. Serves 4 to 6.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup 1-inch-cubed watermelon
- 1 cup raspberries
- 1 lime, thinly sliced
- 1 bottle (750 ml) sauvignon blanc
- ¼ cup vodka, triple sec or St. Germain liqueur (mix it up! look for a fruit-flavored vodka)
- Optional: 1 Tbsp honey, to taste (you may not need it)
- Ice, for serving
Directions: Place fruit in a pitcher then top with the wine and vodka. Give it a stir and then chill for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
To serve: Add ice to individual glasses and pour the sangria over the top. If desired, scoop in some of the fruit.
