The calendar has just ticked past the solstice, which means we are only one day into astronomical summer and the sun is showing absolutely no restraint. This is the moment for a drink fit to battle the season's heat: bright, cold, a little extravagant and completely refreshing.

This week's recipe is a Watermelon Mint Agua Fresca, a Mexican-inspired blended drink that is essentially summer in a glass. No alcohol, no fuss, and it comes together in about 10 minutes.

Watermelon mint agua fresca

Serves 4–6

What you need

• 6 cups fresh seedless watermelon, cubed (about half a small melon)
• 2 cups cold water
• Juice of 2 limes
• 2 tablespoons honey or agave nectar, adjusted to taste
• 10–12 fresh mint leaves, plus extra sprigs for garnish
• Pinch of salt
• Ice, for serving
• Optional: a few thin lime wheels and a salted or Tajín-rimmed glass

How to make it

1. Add the watermelon cubes to a blender and blend until completely smooth.
2. Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a large pitcher, pressing gently with a spoon. Discard the pulp or save it for a smoothie.
3. Add the cold water, lime juice, honey or agave, mint leaves, and pinch of salt. Stir well, then taste and adjust sweetness or lime as needed.
4. Refrigerate until very cold, at least 30 minutes, or pour immediately over plenty of ice.
5. Serve in tall glasses garnished with a fresh mint sprig and a lime wheel.

A few notes

On the watermelon: Buy it whole if you can and cut it yourself. A ripe melon smells sweet at the stem end and has a deep, hollow sound when tapped. Pre-cut melon works fine but tends to be a bit watery, so you may want to hold back some of the added water.

On the mint: Don't skip it. The mint lifts the whole drink and keeps it from tasting flat. If you grow mint in your garden, this is a perfect way to use it.

On the Tajín rim: If you have never rimmed a glass with Tajín, the chili-lime seasoning salt, this is the week to try it. Run a lime wedge around the rim, dip it in Tajín, and suddenly a simple drink feels like something from a rooftop in Mexico City.

This recipe doubles and triples easily, making it an ideal option for backyard gatherings, a pitcher on the porch, or simply keeping a jug in the refrigerator for the week ahead. The heat is not going anywhere, so you may as well be prepared.