Rinse the chosen fruit under cold water, pat dry, remove any skin or seeds, and chop into roughly 2-inch pieces.

Transfer the chopped fruit to a blender pitcher.

Add 4 cups of cold water to the blender.

Blend on high speed for 60–90 seconds until the mixture is completely smooth.

Set a fine-mesh strainer over a large pitcher and pour the blended mixture through it, pressing on the solids to extract all liquid; discard the pulp.

Stir in the sugar, lime juice, and a pinch of sea salt until fully dissolved. Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness as desired.

Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until well chilled.

To serve, fill tall glasses with ice cubes, pour the chilled agua fresca over the ice, and garnish with mint or cilantro leaves if using. Serve immediately.