Watermelon Agua Fresca
2 quarts
INGREDIENTS
5-6 cups freshly scooped watermelon
2 cups cold water
enough simple sugar syrup to sweeten to taste
Simple Syrup:
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
(you can make any amount by simply using a 1 to 1 ratio, and heating until the sugar dissolves)
METHOD
Make the Simple Syrup
1. Put equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan.
2. Heat on medium/medium-low, stirring occasionally, just until the sugar dissolves. Don't simmer or boil it. Just dissolve the sugar.
3. Let cool while you prepare the juice.
Make the Juice
1. Cut the watermelon in half and scoop out everything that's red or pink. We don't want any of the white.
2. Toss it in a blender along with the water.
3. Pit the lid on the blender and cover that with a towel so it won't make a mess if it happens to spill out.
4. Blend on low for a few seconds and then increase speed.
5. Strain the juice into a large bowl, using a rubber spatula to push the juice through if needed. Discard the left over solids.
6. Taste the juice and sweeten with Simple Syrup as desired.
7. Pour in a pitcher and chill for at least 30 minutes. Keep covered in the fridge until you're ready to serve it.
HOW TO SERVE
Serve chilled, over ice.