Active Time

　　15 min

　　Total Time

　　2 1/4 hr

　　Mexican aguas frescas, or "fresh waters," made from all kinds of fresh fruit, flowers, or herbs, are a great way to beat the heat. This cantaloupe version gets additional vim from a splash of club soda.

　　

Ingredients

Makes 8 drinks

　　1 (4-pound) cantaloupe, seeded and cut into 1-inch cubes (about 8 cups)

　　1 1/2 cups water

　　1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

　　1 tablespoon sugar

　　1 quart chilled club soda or seltzer

　　Garnish: lime wedges, honeydew melon slices

　　

Step 1

Purée cantaloupe in batches with water in a blender. Transfer to a colander lined with a kitchen towel (not terry cloth) or fine cheesecloth set over a deep bowl and let drain 1 hour. Gather ends of towel and very gently squeeze any remaining juice from melon, then discard solids.

　　

Step 2

Stir in lime juice, sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt and chill 1 hour.

　　

Step 3

Divide among 8 (10-ounces) glasses and top off with club soda.

　　Cooks' note:

　　Drink, without club soda, can be made 4 days ahead and chilled. Add soda just before serving.