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Close up of a glass of cantaloupe basil Agua Fresca garnished with basil

Cantaloupe Basil Agua Fresca (Agua de Melón con Albahaca)

by Gemma Aguayo-Murphy
This Cantaloupe Basil Agua Fresca is a fresh twist on classic agua de melón, made with ripe cantaloupe, fresh basil, lime and a touch of honey. The sweet melon and fragrant basil are balanced with fresh lime, while gently steeping the basil keeps its flavor fresh without overpowering the cantaloupe.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 8
Calories 40 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium ripe cantaloupe cut into chunks
  • 5 cups cold water divided
  • 1 lime
  • ¼ cup honey simple syrup plus more to taste
  • 10-12 fresh basil leaves

Honey Simple Syrup (Optional but Recommended)

  • ¾ cup honey
  • 1 cup water

Instructions
 

Make the Honey Simple Syrup

  • If making the honey simple syrup, combine the honey and 1 cup water in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir until the honey dissolves completely. Do not boil. Set aside and let cool completely.

Agua Fresca

  • Add the cantaloupe and 3 cups of cold water to a blender. Blend for 1–2 minutes, or until smooth.
  • Strain the blended mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher, if desired.
  • Stir in the remaining 2 cups of cold water and lime juice.
  • Taste and add honey simple syrup (or your preferred sweetener) as needed.
  • Gently bruise the basil leaves by pressing them lightly between your hands. Add the basil to the pitcher.
  • Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on how strong you want the basil flavor.
  • Remove the basil leaves before serving.
  • Serve chilled over ice.

Notes

  • The sweetness will depend on how ripe your cantaloupe is, so taste the agua fresca before adding more honey simple syrup.
  • For a subtle basil flavor, steep for about 30–45 minutes. For a more noticeable basil flavor, steep for 1–2 hours.
  • Remove the basil after steeping so it doesn't continue to infuse and become too strong.
  • If you prefer a little more texture, you can skip straining the blended cantaloupe. If using a high-powered blender, straining may not even be necessary.

Nutrition

Serving: 240gCalories: 40kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 1gSodium: 10mgPotassium: 320mgFiber: 1gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 5300IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.4mg
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