Seasonal
← September
The drink · September

Golden Hill Agua Fresca

One drink. Make it while the grapes are cheap.

Keep

  • Cold water
  • Ice
  • 1 lime
  • Flaky salt

September adds

  • 2 cups table grapes, stems removed
  • A few cilantro leaves, optional

Method

Blend the grapes with a cup of cold water for about fifteen seconds — no longer, or the seeds and skins turn it bitter. Pour through a fine-mesh strainer, pressing gently. Add another cup of cold water, the juice of half a lime, and a pinch of salt. Taste: it should be barely sweet. Pour over ice with a lime wedge.

Try another way

Freeze some grapes for ice So the last glass isn't watered down.
Half agua fresca, half cold water Lighter, for the hottest afternoons.
Blend in half an apple Late in the month, when the grapes get expensive.
Add a thin round of chile If you have one left from roasting.