Honeydew List

Oh August, you are a persnickety month. Just when it feels like things are cooling off, the weather turns and it gets toasty once again. No worries, not when you have the Melon Agua Fresca by your side. “The agua fresca is a popular Mexican and Central American non-alcoholic drink made from many different fruits,” says Indigo Road’s Jackson Holland. “This tequila-infused take on it is refreshing and satisfying during the dog days of summer.” Dog days indeed! It’s so good, you might need an additional pitcher.

Melon Agua Fresca
(Serves 15)
2 qts. juiced melon (1 honeydew and 1 cantaloupe recommended)
1/2 qt. lime juice
22 basil leaves
1 bottle blanco tequila (Herradura Silver recommended)
Agave nectar to taste
Sea salt
15 melon balls or slices

Using a juicer, purée the melons. In a pitcher, add lime juice and gently muddle seven basil leaves. Add remaining lime juice, melon juice, tequila, agave, and ice to pitcher. Stir. To serve, fill a salt-rimmed Collins glass with ice. Pour in mix. Garnish with a skewer of melon and leaf of remaining basil. The mix can be stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to three days.

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