How To: Make a South American-style agua fresca Concord grape fruit drink

If you're into grape juice, then you should try out this Concord grape fruit drink, in a South American style drink called an agua fresca. An "agua fresca" is a fruity drink blended with water and sugar, then strained to make a vibrant, refreshing and absolutely delicious beverage. This recipe uses colorful Concord grapes, simple syrup and fresh lime juice. This recipe makes a big batch that'll keep for a couple of days, so you'll have plenty to share when you invite friends to help you rake leaves or carve pumpkins.

INGREDIENTS:

Makes 8 quarts

Simple Syrup

* 2 cups sugar
* 2 cups warm water

Other Ingredients

* enough cold water added to Simple Syrup to bring mixture to 6 qts
* 2 cups lime juice
* 2½ cups Concord grapes

Special Equipment

* blender
* mesh strainer

HOW-TO:

Make Simple Syrup

1. In a large, heatproof container, combine sugar and warm water
2. Stir until sugar is dissolved

Make Limeade Mixture

1. To the Simple Syrup mixture, add cold water until the mixture reaches 6 qts in total
2. Add lime juice and stir to combine; this is your Limeade Mixture

Blend & Serve

1. In a blender, add grapes and just 1 cup of the Limeade Mixture
2. Blend until smooth, about 30 seconds
3. Strain mixture through a mesh sieve into the container of remaining Limeade Mixture
4. Stir to combine and pour over ice to serve

Note: Consume within 1-2 days of preparation