Fresh Fruit and Herb Sparkling Water Recipe

Become a mixologist by blending any combination of fruit — sweet or sour — to create refreshing aguas frescas de frutas (meaning "fresh fruit water" in Spanish). Popular in many Latin American and Caribbean regions, these fruit drinks are made from pureed fruit and a splash of sparkling water or wine that adds the "fizz." Sipping an agua fresca is a nourishing, vitamin C-rich, low-calorie alternative to store-bought fruit drinks.

Try this recipe with fruit that is less common to you — guava, mango, papaya or passion fruit — or use more familiar types such as berries, lemon, lime, oranges, peaches or pineapple. You can get the involved kids, too! Let them mix and match fruits to create their own recipe.

Ingredients

8 ounces fresh strawberries (or other berries), hulled
1 cup cubed ripe melon (cantaloupe, Crenshaw, honeydew, watermelon)
2 cups ice-cold water
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil or mint leaves
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons sugar (optional)*
Ice cubes
8 ounces club soda, tonic water or sparkling water
Lemon slices, for garnish
Basil or mint sprigs, for garnish

Directions

Before you begin: Wash your hands.

1. Combine berries, melon, water and basil or mint in a blender. Whirl to liquefy. Allow mixture to sit for 5 minutes to allow basil or mint to infuse fruit puree with flavor.
2. Pour into a 1-quart pitcher. Add lemon juice and sugar, as desired. (If sugar is added, stir to dissolve.)
3. To serve, place ice into four glasses. Pour fruit mixture over ice. Add 2 ounces tonic water, club soda or sparkling water to each. Garnish each glass with lemon slices and basil or mint sprigs.
4. Serve immediately. Pureed fruit may settle.

Cooking Note

*Sweeten to taste if desired, depending on sweetness of fresh fruit.

Nutrition Information

Serves 4

Calories: 35; Calories from fat: 0; Total fat: 0g; Saturated fat: 0g; Trans fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium 20mg; Total carbohydrate: 9g; Dietary fiber: 2g; Sugars: 6g; Protein: 1g