Salt and Pepper Watermelon Agua Fresca

Photo by Michael Piazza / Styled by Rachel Caldwell

A worthy use of a whole little melon, minus what you can’t help nibbling. As written, this agua fresca is not quite sweet enough for a picky kid’s palate—in other words, it’s perfect for adults. Could you double the sugar, cut the pepper that lends it its je ne sais quoi and serve it to a child? I suppose. Would tequila be absolutely delicious in this? Of course it would.

Makes 4 drinks

6 cups cubed watermelon flesh (about 1 small melon)
3 cups water
3 teaspoons granulated sugar
3 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Flaky salt, like Maldon, for finishing

Combine ingredients in a blender. Blend, pour into glasses and top with a sprinkle of flaky salt.

This recipe appeared in the Summer 2019 issue as part of a larger story on Melon.