By Jody Paglia Tanzman, RD,LDN,CLC
Perhaps you are like me and you had a bumper crop of basil this year (and are tired of making pesto to use it all up!). Or you are looking for a refreshing drink to make the summer linger even as autumn moves in. Look no further than this watermelon-basil agua fresca! A traditional drink in Latin cultures, agua fresca (literally “fresh water”) can be made with any kind of juicy fruit. Watermelon is a natural choice, with its high water content and appealing pink color, thanks to its large proportion of heart-protective lycopene. The basil adds a spicy, fragrant note that elevates the subtlety sweet taste of the watermelon (and provides a healthy dose of vitamin K!), and the lime juice and sweetener balance the flavors perfectly.
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.
Serving Size: 16 - 18 oz (500 ml)
Calories: 90
Fat: 0 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 0 mg
Carbohydrates: 22 g
Fiber: 0 g
Sugars: 18 g
Protein: 3 g