Name: Infused Water (Agua Fresca)
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: ½ seedless cucumber; 1 pint strawberries; 1 small pink grapefruit; 1 cup Splenda; Water

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Infused Water (Agua Fresca) with the flavors of cucumber, strawberry, and pink grapefruit is a wonderful way to cool down in the summer heat.

If you live in the southern part of the country, you know that we didn't have much in the way of winter weather this past season. Not even one snowflake.

A glass of agua fresca with a pitcher in the background.

And it started getting hot early this year. Like in March. But just lately, we've had real summer heat. Here in north Georgia we've had low 90's with the ever-present summer humidity.

Don't get me wrong - I love the warm weather. Winter makes me miserable. I just want to wrap up in a blanket and stay there until spring. So when warmer weather comes around, I'm always a happy girl.

How to Keep Your Cool in the Heat

I will be the first to admit, though, that the warmth and humidity is a strength sapping combination. Just a little yard work and you can't wait to get back inside to the nice cool air conditioning. Whatever did we do before air conditioning? I actually do remember it and it was tough.

On these hot days, you need something to restore your cool. To refresh and replace your energy. And I think I've found just the thing to do that. This lovely infused water can be made quickly and kept in the fridge for a couple of days refilling your pitcher as needed.

Infused water or agua fresca (literally "fresh water") is, I believe, part of Mexican cuisine. I've never been to Mexico, but I understand that agua fresca is a popular item sold by street vendors there.

It's a combination of fruits and vegetables, sometimes herbs, with water. Sometimes sweetener is involved and sometimes not. It's left to sit and allow the fruits and veggies to impart their delicate flavors into the water. And that's all there is to it. Simple, huh?

I've tried lots of combinations and have to say that this combo is one of my favorites. I've tried it with herbs, too, but for me the herbs are just overpowering. I prefer only the fruit and veggies. And I like mine with a little sweetness.

How to Make Infused Water (Agua Fresca)

Start by prepping your fruits and veggies. For this infused water, I used cucumbers, strawberries, and pink grapefruit. It's also good with oranges if grapefruit just isn't your thing.

To prep the cucumbers, I peel away all but a few strips of green because I find the cucumber peel imparts some bitterness that I don't especially care for. You do whatever you like.

Fresh fruits layered in a glass pitcher.

Layer your fruits and veggies in a pretty pitcher. Then dissolve the sweetener (use whatever you like - I use Splenda) in a couple of cups of water and pour that over the fruit. Finish filling the pitcher with fresh tap or bottled water. Cover and refrigerate for several hours to give the flavors time to infuse. Serve over ice.