Papaya Lime Balcony

Ripe papaya has a soft, almost buttery texture and a mild tropical sweetness. Lime gives it the sharp contrast it needs in a drink. Mash a small portion very well before stirring in the water, then keep a few cubes whole if you enjoy fruit in the glass. This will be a little cloudy rather than perfectly clear. Choose fragrant, ripe papaya; hard, underripe fruit won't give you the same flavor or blend into the water easily.

Ingredients

• 5 oz Cold water
• 1/2 cup Ripe papaya, peeled and deseeded
• 1/4 oz Lime juice

Make it

1. Prepare the fruit and herbs as listed. Mash soft fruit to release juice; lightly press herbs or thin ginger slices without shredding them.
2. Add the still juices and stir. Strain out seeds, skins or herb pieces if you prefer a smoother texture.
3. Stir in the cold water. Let fresh fruit, herbs or ginger infuse for 5 minutes, then remove the ginger or herb sprigs when the flavor suits you. Serve chilled.

Benefits

Papaya · a little vitamin C

Papaya contributes a little vitamin C for collagen formation for healthy skin; lime brings a lively citrus tang in this recipe.

Lime · a flavor worth noticing

Using lime beside papaya gives the glass a lively citrus tang, creating its own flavor without needing carbonation or an alcoholic pour.