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Cantaloupe-Basil Agua Fresca

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Cantaloupe-Basil Agua FrescaMaren Caruso

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 8 servings

Ingredients

15 cups chopped cantaloupe (about two 3 1/2-pound melons)
3/4 cup fresh lemon juice
3/4 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Working in batches, purée cantaloupe in a blender until smooth.

    Step 2

    Set a fine-mesh sieve over a large bowl; line sieve with cheesecloth. Strain purée into bowl; gather cheesecloth into a bundle and squeeze any remaining juice into bowl. Repeat process with fresh cheesecloth, straining into a large pitcher (you should have about 5 cups juice).

    Step 3

    Add lemon juice, basil, and 2 cups cold water to pitcher. Let steep at room temperature for 1-2 hours. Fill glasses with ice. Divide agua fresca among glasses.

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