Mexican

Agua Fresca de Jamaica Mexico has a wonderful variety of sweetened flavored waters known as aguas frescas, which are sold at street stands and marketplaces throughout the country. They are made from citrus fruits, melons, cucumbers, even the sweet-tart pulp of tamarind pods. But among the most popular is this one, made by steeping the dried, deep crimson calyxes of the hibiscus flower. This slightly tart, garnet-colored beverage is incredibly beautiful and refreshing. Piloncillo, the unrefined brown sugar used in traditional rustic desserts, adds a mellow, molasses-like sweetness.

Limas Congeladas Rellenas de Sangrita y Tequila Most sangrita recipes include tomato as well as orange juice, hence the name ("little blood"). This spicy, salty juice mixture is a traditional chaser for straight tequila. If you don't have time to prepare the frozen lime cups, just pour the sangrita and tequila into shot glasses. Pair the sangrita with a reposado tequila, which has been briefly aged to impart richer, more complex flavor and a smoother sip. (See "Wine & Spirits" for some great top-shelf tequilas.)

If you don't have a molinillo, the traditional hot chocolate frother, use a blender instead.

Horchata is a refreshing iced drink served in Mexico. It is made with almonds, raw rice, or melon seeds.

Luis Miguel López Alanís of Morelia, Mexico, writes: "Although I grew up in Mexico, it was in Chicago of all places that I learned to cook Mexican food. During the two years I lived there, I missed my country's food so much that I wrote to my mother in Zitácuaro and asked her to send me recipes so I could cook for myself. "Now I work as a tour guide in Michoacán, my home state, where I lead tours on Morelia's colonial history and architecture, and show tourists the Paricutín Volcano and monarch butterfly sanctuaries. And sometimes I do restaurant and market tours. Whenever business slows down, I enjoy cooking for my family. " Mexico is known for its aguas frescas, delicious cold "waters" made simply from fruits or vegetables, water, and sugar. They're the perfect refreshment on a hot day.

For extra-slushy Margaritas, freeze the drinks in the blender jar at least thirty minutes and up to one hour; stir, if necessary, before serving. Instead of using salt, coat the glass rims with superfine sugar: Run a lime wedge along the rims to moisten, then dip them into a shallow saucer of sugar.

This traditional agua gets its glorious red color from the jamaica, or hibiscus, flower, whose natural sourness is counteracted by the sugar.

Blue curaçao provides the color and lime peel, the freshness.

Bright and fresh, this sauce is also fantastic over broiled salmon or scrambled eggs.