AGUA FRESCA DE LIMON (LIME DRINK)

6 cups cold water
1/2 cup simple sugar syrup (recipe follows) (or 1/3 cup granulated sugar)
2 large dark green limes

TO MAKE THE LIME DRINK:
In a pitcher, combine the water and syrup or sugar, stirring to make sure the sugar is well dissolved. Refrigerate until very cold.

Just before serving, grate the rind of the lime into the pitcher, being careful not to include any of the white part. Serve over ice cubes.

*TO MAKE THE SIMPLE SYRUP:
The simple syrup can be made by combining 2 cups of water with 1 cup granulated sugar in a small saucepan. Heat gently, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved. Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook until reduced to 1 cup. Let cool to room temperature; store, refrigerated, in a tightly covered container. Makes 1 cup

NOTES:
Mexican limes are small, with a thick, very dark-green skin and a refreshing flavor that is close to that of a U.S. lime, but not quite the same. Only the rind of the fruit is used in this simple Oaxacan favorite. When the drink is allowed to sit for a while before serving, it turns a wonderful green-yellow color, but also develops a slight bitterness. Zarula Martinez prefers to sweeten the drink with a sugar syrup, which seems mellower, but plain granulated and superfine sugars are acceptable substitutes.

Makes 4 (12-ounce) servings (6 cups)
From: Zarela Martinez
Source: The Sacramento Bee, September 9, 1998.