Directions

1. Divide the watermelon in half. Put the 4 oz of water in a blender and add half of the watermelon chunks.
2. Puree until smooth, about 30 seconds. Pour the mixture into a bowl, leaving about 4 oz of liquid at the bottom of the blender. Add the remaining watermelon chunks, again pureeing until smooth.
3. Pour the second batch into the first batch in the bowl. Skim off any foam. Whisk in the chopped basil, lime juice and sweetener. If you are feeling lazy you can add the lime, sweetener and whole basil leaves to the blender while you are pureeing the watermelon (but it will turn the juice a darker, less pink color). Be sure to taste the agua fresca and adjust the basil, lime juice and sweetener to your taste.
4. If you prefer the look of a clear, pink liquid, you may strain the watermelon puree before adding the basil, lime and sweetener. When I am serving this agua fresca for guests, I do it this way. When I am making this for myself, I prefer to leave in the pulp for extra fiber and nutrition. Either way, the agua fresca will naturally separate upon standing. Simply stir the agua fresca before serving, pour over ice and enjoy!

NOTE: If you would like some bubbles in your agua fresca, use only enough water to process the watermelon. Portion out the agua fresca into glasses, and top off with sparking water.