Cantaloupe Agua Fresca

Save the seeds from peak-season summer melons and use them to make this creamy and refreshing agua fresca. Garnish with fresh mint sprigs to add a fragrant punch to this summer cooler. The seeds act as an emulsifier, which means the creamy, refreshing drink won’t separate easily. Plus, you’re adding fiber, protein, vitamin a and vitamin c!  

3½ cups cold water, divided 
½ cup cane sugar 
2 Tbsp fresh mint, plus sprigs for garnish 
6 cups ripe cantaloupe, cubed 
1½ cups cantaloupe seeds (optional, from about 2 melons) 
3 Tbsp fresh lime juice 
Pinch of sea salt 
3 cups ice cubes 

Mix ½ cup cold water with ½ cup cane sugar. Bring to boil over medium-low heat and simmer, without stirring, until sugar is dissolved (3 minutes). Remove from heat. Press mint leaves between palms of hands to release oils, and add to simple syrup. Steep 15 minutes. Remove mint leaves and set aside. 

Blend cubed cantaloupe and seeds, if using, lime juice and 3 cups cold water at high speed until smooth. Stir in a pinch of salt and 2 tablespoons mint-infused simple syrup. Taste and add additional syrup if desired. Serve over ice. Garnish with lime slices and mint sprigs. 

Serves 8