Honeydew-Cilantro Agua Fresca with Tequila

Honeydew-Cilantro Agua Fresca with Tequila

Now here's a drink I'd like to try:

• 6 cups cut-up honeydew (1 ripe honeydew, about 4.5 lbs)
• 2 cups cold water
• 1/4 tsp minced, seeded serrano chili
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 4 to 6 tbsp simple syrup (depending on the sweetness of the honeydew)
• 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, lightly packed
• 6 oz tequila (3/4th cup)
• 2 cups ice cubes
• cilantro sprigs for garnish
• red chili peppers for garnish

Combine the honeydew and cold water in batches in a blender and blend until smooth, pouring the purée into a pitcher as each batch is blended. To the last batch of puréeing mixture, add the serrano chili, lime juice, simple syrup, and cilantro leaves, pulsing until leaves are tiny flecks.

Blend in the tequila. Pour into the pitcher and stir in ice cubes. Garnish the pitcher with a few sprigs of cilantro and two or three red chili peppers. Serves 8.