Cantaloupe and Cucumber Aqua Fresca Recipe

This Cantaloupe and Cucumber Aqua Fresca is the perfect summer drink to serve when the temperatures rise and you want something refreshing to serve your guests!

It also can be made ahead of time and refrigerated. Transfer to a large aqua fresca jar and let your guests serve themselves!

It’s a fun drink to serve for Cinco de Mayo too! You can serve it as is, or spike it with a little prosecco, vodka or tequila too!

Recipe Pairing Ideas:

Serve this with my Carne Asada Tacos and Charred Corn Salad for a fun fiesta-themed cookout. Don’t forget the Churro Sundaes for Dessert!

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Step 1: Prep the Cantaloupe

First things first, find two ripe cantaloupes! A ripe canteloupe will give your aqua fresca the best flavor and eliminate the need for adding lots of sugar.

How do you know if a cantaloupe is ripe?

Cantaloupe should be firm and smell sweet and flavorful. If there is no fragrance to your cantaloupe, you will not have a very flavorful Aqua Fresca.

Cut and deseed both cantaloupes, then cut into one-inch chunks. 

You’ll need about 12 cups of cut cantaloupe.

Step 2: Make the Simple Syrup

The simple syrup will add sweetness and flavor to our Aqua Frescas. A simple syrup recipe is equal parts sugar and water and is a great way to sweeten drinks. It eliminates that grainy texture that happens if you just add plain sugar which can be hard to dissolve in a cold drink. 

In a large saucepan, add water and white sugar. Simmer over low heat until the sugar dissolves. Set aside and allow to cool. 

Step 3: Make the Puree

Before you begin mixing everything together, you’ll need the juice of two limes. To get the most juice from your limes, roll them on a hard surface, like your countertop or cutting board, to soften up the pulp.

Tip: If they are still too firm, pop them in the microwave for 3-5 seconds to soften them up. Works like a charm!

Now that we have all of our components ready, we can begin blending the cantaloupe, simple syrup, and lime juice. Depending on the size of your blender, you may have to puree in batches. 

After everything is blended, you can either strain the mixture or leave it pulpy. I choose to strain but the choice is up to you! 

Step 4: Assemble the Aqua Fresca

Now that your puree is complete, add it to an Aqua Fresca jar. I find the three-gallon size is perfect for entertaining. 

You’ll notice the recipe calls for 6-8 cups of water, depending on how sweet you like it. Adding more water will dilute it and make it less sweet. I prefer 7 cups of water which for me is the perfect sweetness! 

Create the Garnish

Then, peel an English cucumber at about every half inch or so, leaving “stripes” for an elegant look.   It’s such a simple thing to do but adds so much look to your garnish. 

Slice and add the cucumber to the Aqua Fresca. Place the container in the fridge overnight so all the flavors can marry.

When you are ready to serve, garnish the glasses with lime, a piece of cantaloupe, and cucumber!

If your guests like a little fizz with their drinks, add a splash of club soda to each glass or even a splash of champagne would be great too!

More Great Summer Recipes You’ll Enjoy!

• Creamy Cucumber and Dill Salad
• Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
• Easy Red Wine Sangria
• Salmon Mousse on Cucumber Coins

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