Last year I traveled through Oaxaca, Mexico I visited many restaurants. When we dined, we were greeted with salty roasted Spanish peanuts and thirst quenching Agua Fresca which means Fresh Water in Spanish. My favorite Agua Fresca was the minty Watermelon drink that reminded me of a fresh non-alcoholic Margarita. I remember growing up and my aunt used to make these for me. She made quite a few varieties using seasonal fruit: Pineapple, papaya, cucumber, watermelon, and fresh red apples.

I had forgotten about this tradition. It’s a feeling of Southern hospitality to go to someone’s home and be greeted with a refreshing beverage. It brought me great pride to see that Oaxaca was practicing this tradition. With summer around the corner and company coming over for BBQs I thought why not share these recipes with you. I’m also adding an adult friendly beverage Watermelon Margarita so that you can make them for the party animal in your group. Cheers!

Agua de Sandia

4 cups of sweet, seeded cubed watermelon

6oz of Agave Syrup or ½ cup of sugar

6 cups of cold water

4 sprigs of mint

Lime juice from two limes

Blend the watermelon, agave, and the water until nice and smooth. Add more agave syrup or sugar if needed. If the watermelon is sweet enough you will not need extra sugar. The puree will settle to the bottom so you will need a stirrer to mix properly. Pour over ice and add the sprig of mint and a wedge of lime for garnish.

Watermelon Margarita

1oz. Watermelon Schnapps

1oz. Watermelon puree

1oz. Tequila

½ triple of sec

2oz. fresh lime juice

½ oz. agave nectar

Tajin

Watermelon Garnish

In a shaker mix the watermelon Schnapps, Watermelon puree, tequila, triple sec, fresh lime juice and agave nectar. Shake vigorously. Add Tajin to the rim of the glass. Pour into a glass with fresh ice cubes and garnish with watermelon.

Chef Rosie opened Provecho Grill in Menifee 2012 and soon to open Xicana Cali Mex & Libations in Temecula. Her menus focus on Regional Mexican dishes with her own unique twists. The result is a dining experience that succeeds not only in providing her guests with array of craft cocktails, but fresh regional Mexican food that highlights the bold flavors and cultures of Mexico.

Chef Rosie has received many awards since Provecho Grill’s debut. These awards include the People’s Choice and the Pinnacle Award at the So-Cal Chef’s Open Competition. You might also find her in a commercial for the So Cal Gas Company, competing on the Cooking Channel’s new series Farmer’s Market Flip.