Ideal Beverage for a Sizzling Summer

Need a refreshing beverage to help you get through another of summer's endless dog days? Try this recipe for "Mora Picante" from Brian Preston-Campbell's "Cool Waters" (Harvard Common Press).

Mora Picante

Makes 4 servings

15 fresh blackberries

11/2 teaspoons ground ancho chile

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

4 cups still water

Ice cubes

1. Muddle the blackberries, ancho chile, cinnamon, and 1/2 cup of the water in a glass measuring cup for at least one minute.

2. With a ladle, wooden spoon or rubber spatula, force the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher. Add the remaining water and allow to rest for 15 minutes in the refrigerator.

3. Serve the water over ice.