Mexican water
When I served up the recently invented bubbly lemonade to M’hijito, he observed that it’s a variety of Mexican water; and when I described the version I made with watermelon, he said that’s classic Mexican water.
So…what’s “Mexican water,” besides something you shouldn’t drink or brush your teeth with? It is in fact very similar to my concoction, except that it’s made with flat water instead of seltzer. Here’s a typical recipe for one made with watermelon:
You need:
about 4 cups cut-up watermelon, seeds removed (I used seedless melon)
8 to 12 cups water
a blender
a large pitcher
about 1.5 cups sugar, or to taste
In batches, purée the watermelon in a blender. Add water and then stir in the sugar. Chill well and serve with a slice of lime or a mint garnish.
For the fizzy version I invented, I added no sugar. Instead I used one of those small, round melons, which are wonderfully sweet. This makes about two servings:
a cut-up slice of watermelon, seeds removed (I used seedless melon)
a can of seltzer water, chilled
a blender
a tall glass
ice
Purée melon in the blender. Pour enough into a glassful of ice to fill about 1/3 to 1/2 to the top. Top with cold seltzer or club soda.
M’hijito says you can make these with cantaloupe or strawberries. In that case, he suggests, run the purée through a strainer before adding water. A squeeze of lime is an authentic Mexican touch, too.
Any of these drinks lend themselves to the addition of vodka or rum.
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6 Responses to “Mexican water”
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It’s still so hot here! I’m going to ry these. Thanks.
Hot and humid here! We’re supposed to get the tail end of Hurricane Jimena over the next few days. It’s already beginning to feel saunaesque.
add champage for a refreshing mimosa!
Yum – thanks for this recipe.
This sounds SO delicious!! We buy Fry’s brand sparkling water in the can, it goes on sale fairly often, it would be delicious in this drink you’ve put together. I have a couple of watermelon plants that survived the summer in my garden and are now about the size of a coconut. I’ve put nets under them to support and hopefully they will ripen and taste delicious. Thanks for sharing this recipe with us!
Try the watermelon thing with flat water, the classic Mexican recipe. It actually seems even more flavorful than with fizzy water.