Non-Alcoholic
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[Photographs: Autumn Giles]

The result of blending strawberries and cantaloupe with a quick thyme simple syrup is a surprisingly complex and really refreshing alcohol-free drink. I opted not to strain this version of agua fresca because it blends up very smooth, but it's up to you if you want to strain the final result. Serve as-is for a concentrated, fruity drink or lighten it up by cutting it with a bit of sparkling water.

About the Author: Autumn Giles is a writer in Queens, NY. You can see her work on Autumn Makes & Does, listen to her talk on the Alphabet Soup Podcast, and talk at her on twitter.

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Ingredients

  • 1 small bunch (about 8 sprigs) fresh thyme
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 1/2 cups cubed cantaloupe (about half of one medium or 1 pound 6 ounces with skin)
  • 1 1/2 cups quartered strawberries (about 8 ounces whole strawberries)
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice from 1 lemon
  • Garnish: Sliced strawberries (optional)

Procedures

  1. Combine thyme sprigs, water, and sugar in a small saucepan over high heat. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, cover, and let steep for 10 minutes. Strain through a fine mesh strainer to remove thyme and refrigerate until cool.

  2. To Serve: Combine the thyme syrup, strawberries, cantaloupe, and lemon juice in a blender and blend on high speed until smooth, about 20 seconds. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Garnish with strawberry slice if desired.