Aguas Frescas (Mexican Fruit Coolers)

Ingredients

• ½ cup sugar
• 4 cups water
• 4 cups chopped fruit (watermelon, cantaloupe, pineapple, papaya, strawberries, oranges, peaches, mangoes, or any combination)
• Ice cubes
• Lemon or lime wedges (optional)

Directions

1. Stir the sugar and water together in a large pitcher until the sugar dissolves. Measure out 1 cup. Puree the fruit and the 1 cup sugar water in a blender. Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer back into the pitcher with the sugar water, mashing with a whisk or wooden spoon to eliminate any pulp.
2. Taste and add more sugar, if desired. Serve over ice, with a lemon or lime wedge, if desired.