It is so freaking hot in Portland right now. It has been for a couple of weeks – temperatures in the high 90s to low 100s, and only getting down to the mid 60s overnight.

Portland proper is full of century-old homes, and this is a really hot summer for us. Usually there are only a couple of days a year that are so hot. All that ads up to most home around here not having air conditioning. Coming from the midwest, that sounded completely crazy to me. But, for about 360 days of the year we don’t really notice.

But not this year. It’s been very hot and hard to stay hydrated. I’ve been going a little crazy trying to find fun, nonalcoholic things to drink to stay hydrated (water got boring really fast) – iced tea, juice, soda, sports drinks, you name it. I thought it would be fun to make up a big batch of agua fresca to have some fun with all of the fruit that’s available right now, so I made one big batch of pineapple and one of watermelon!

Now, I didn’t say I was *not* drinking alcohol while it’s hot, I just need to up my hydration game, so of course I had to try these out in cocktail form. They only take a few minutes to make and a couple of hours in the fridge. So if you’re headed out this evening, you’ve got plenty of time to make some to take with you! I highly recommend mixing with tequila – check it out:

Here’s what you need:

Watermelon Mint Agua Fresca:
1 “personal” watermelon, cubed
2 cups cold water
2 Tbsp. local honey (NOT the super processed crap!)
8-10 mint leaves
4 Tbsp. lime juice

Blend half the watermelon, honey, mint and lime together to a fine pulp and strain with a fine mesh strainer. Discard pulp (or eat it with ice cream or something!) Repeat with the second batch. Refrigerate for an hour before serving. You will need to shake before serving, as the fruit sediment will settle because gravity.

Pineapple Ginger Agua Fresca:
1 pineapple, cored and chopped
3 cups cold water
2 Tbsp. local honey (again, NOT the super processed crap!)
2 tsp. freshly grated ginger
2 tbsp. lime juice

Working in 2 batches, blend all ingredients together and strain into a pitcher or large mason jar through a fine mesh strainer. Discard pulp. Refrigerate for an hour before serving. You will need to shake before using, as the fruit sediment will settle because gravity.

AND NOW FOR THE IMPORTANT PART – Spiked Agua Fresca cocktails:

1.5 oz. tequila
1 tsp. simple syrup
1/2 oz. lime juice
Your favorite agua fresca
Fresh mint or lime wheels for garnish

Fill a rocks glass with ice and pour the tequila, simple syrup and lime juice over the ice. Top with agua fresca, then stir gently and garnish.