Yield: about 2 1/2 quarters

Ingredients:

- 3 cups fresh fruit chopped coarsely

- 6-8 cups water

- 1/2 to 3/4 cups sugar

- 1/4 cup lime juice (opt.)

Method:

Basic Steps: Puree -> Strain -> Sweeten -> Chill

1. Add fruits and 2-3 cups of water to a blender. Puree well. Strain through a sieve into a large pitcher.

2. Add rest of water and 1/2 cup of sugar and stir well. Add more water and sugar as needed. Serve well chilled.

Variations:

Agua de Melo'n: Use cantaloupe or any other melon

Agua de Sandi'a: Use watermelon

Agua de Fresa: Use strawberries

Agua de Papaya: Use papaya - Additional lime juice makes a tastier beverage here

Agua Fresca de Pepino - Use peeled, seeded cucumbers and lime juice - Cut down on the sugar. Very refreshing.

Agua frescas are fresh fruit drinks that are very popular all over Mexico. They are typically served from large barrel-shaped glass containers. Some of the more traditional varieties are listed above.