Watermelon-Strawberry Agua Fresca

THE RECIPE

INGREDIENTS:

1. 1/2 cup water
2. 1/4 cup sugar
3. 2 mint sprigs, plus more for garnish
4. One 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
5. Pinch of salt
6. 2 cups seedless watermelon cubes
7. 2 cups hulled strawberries
8. Ice and chilled sparkling water, for serving  

 DIRECTIONS:

1. In a small saucepan, combine the water with the sugar. Simmer over moderate heat until the sugar has dissolved, about 1 minute. Remove from the heat. Add the 2 mint sprigs, ginger and salt and let stand for 10 minutes.
2. Strain the syrup into a blender. Add the watermelon and strawberries and puree until smooth.
3. Fill 8 glasses with ice. Pour the agua fresca into the glasses and top off with sparkling water. Garnish with mint sprigs and serve.