With fall officially two weeks away, there’s already a decent amount of pumpkin spice this and pumpkin that currently buzzing about the internet. And while I have every intention of diving head first into all things that the autumn season brings, my favorite season after all, I’m trying to enjoy (and share) the last of the summer recipes that are at their best during these sweltering hot days, which it still very much is here in Istanbul (and definitely true as well back in my hometown of Los Angeles.)

This recipe is a quick and easy one and doesn’t require any cooking at all. Agua Fresca is a drink that comes from Mexico and literally translates to “fresh water.” Generally it consists of fruit, sometimes flowers like hibiscus, or one of my favorites, horchata, which is made with rice, and is blended with water and sugar. This version, Cucumber Melon Agua Fresca, is definitely refreshing and can be enjoyed simply as is over ice, or perhaps with a shot of rum or vodka to bring you right back to the weekend and wash away those Monday blues….ever try a little rum in some Horchata? If the answer is no, get your hands on some asap.

Right now there are these giant green and yellow skinned melons available here that are so deliciously sweet. Most people just refer to them as kavun (melon,) but I think the whole name is kirkagac kavun. While they don’t look anything like a honeydew melon on the outside in color or shape, (these are oval instead of round,) they are very much the same as a honeydew on the inside. Though one whole kavun would probably yield about the same amount of edible flesh as two honeydews.

The sweetness of the melon paired with refreshing cucumber, mint and lime juice is a power combo. A fast wizz in the blender (my preferred method) or a food processor and that’s all it takes. A little bit of water helps to thin it out. If your melon is not the sweetest, you can add a little honey to sweeten it up but if you’re lucky, you won’t have to. If you like pulp, you’re done there or if you prefer a smoother consistency, run it through a strainer. Have a ripe cantaloupe? You can definitely use that instead. I miss that fruit on this part of the world. In either case, get blending, put up your feet and enjoy the last moments of summer before they’re gone.