Agua Frescas (seasonal fruit drink)

Makes 4-6 servings 

Lime juice and sugar is optional here. I like to use the sweetest, seasonal fruit but sometimes you have to add sugar or lime juice to increase the flavor of your drink. 

FOR MELON / PINEAPPLE AGUA FRESCA:
4 to 5 pounds watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew or pineapple, rind removed, seeds scooped from melons
optional (2 tablespoons granulated sugar, plus more as needed) - for very ripe fruit sugar is not needed
Lime juice (optional), to taste

FOR STRAWBERRY AGUA FRESCA:
1 pound strawberries, topped
optional (¼ cup granulated sugar, plus more as needed) - for very ripe fruit sugar is not needed
Lime juice (optional), to taste

FOR CUCUMBER AGUA FRESCA:
2 large cucumbers, peeled and seeded
optional (1/4 cup granulated sugar, plus more as needed) 
Lime juice (optional), to taste

FOR MANGO AGUA FRESCA:
3 ripe mangoes (any variety), peeled
optional (1 tablespoon granulated sugar, plus more as needed)
Lime juice (optional), to taste

1. Blend fruit with 1-3 cups cold water. Blend on high until smooth. 
2. Strain over a large bowl through a mesh sieve. Add more water to taste. Add more sugar or lime juice to taste. 
3. Serve with fresh herbs or sliced fruit. 
4. Stir before serving!