A light and refreshing Watermelon Agua Fresca recipe that’s quick and easy to prepare and is irresistibly yummy! Keep a pitcher of it in the fridge to have on hand and serve it chilled over ice – it’s the perfect beverage to enjoy on a hot summer day!
Had you told me two years ago that I’d be living in a subtropical climate growing melons I would have thought you were crazy. But last year found us making the decision to move 3000 miles from the Pacific Northwest to the sunny South where my garden is now bursting with multiple varieties of fresh, sweet melons!
And we’re absolutely loving life here!
We’ve been enjoying the most delicious heirloom varieties of cantaloupes, honeydews, and watermelons straight from our garden. We’re eating them fresh, I’ve been making sorbet, and I’ve been pureeing them to make this popular Mexican drink known as agua fresca.
Melons make life just that much sweeter!
What is Agua Fresca?
Agua fresca is a light non-alcoholic drink that’s popular in Mexico and other Latin American countries. It comes in a wide variety of flavors and can be made with fruits, nuts, seeds or flowers such as melon, berries, hibiscus, tamarind, and horchata. These ingredients are blended with water and sugar and the drinks are commonly sold by street vendors, in juice bars, and in restaurants.
Today we’re making a watermelon agua fresca that is light and refreshing. Be sure to select a ripe and sweet watermelon. Unlike other varieties of melon, watermelon produces a fairly clear juice when pureed and doesn’t need to be strained to remove excess pulp or froth.
Can I Make Sugar Free Agua Fresca?
Yes! The watermelon itself has sugar but you can replace the added granulated sugar with any alternative sweetener of your choice such as Swerve which is a 1:1 substitute.
How Long Does Agua Fresca Keep?
Refrigerated it will keep for up to two days. You can safely drink it up to 4 days but the flavor will change for the worse.
Watermelon Agua Fresca Recipe
Let’s get started!
Simply place the cut watermelon in the blender with the sugar, water and lime juice. Blend at high speed until smooth. Optional: Pour the drink through a fine mesh strainer into a large pitcher. (I strain other types of melons but haven’t found it necessary with watermelon.)
Note: If you’re making a double batch and it won’t all fit in the blender, but what you can do instead is add just part of the water to the blender with the melon and sugar, pour the mixture into your serving pitcher, and then stir in the remaining water.
Chill in the fridge for at least an hour. To serve, fill glasses with ice cubes, pour in the watermelon agua fresca, and garnish with a mint sprig and/or a slice of lime.
Enjoy!
For more fruity and refreshing drinks be sure to try our:
- Lemon Blackberry Rosemary Spritzer
- Lavender Lemonade
- Apfelschorle (German Apple Spritzer)
- Apple Peppermint Iced Tea
Watermelon Agua Fresca
Ingredients
- 3 cups diced, peeled ripe watermelon , seeds removed
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- diabetic/low sugar alternative
- 1 to 2 teaspoons lime juice
Instructions
- Place the cut watermelon in the blender with the sugar, water and lime juice. Blend at high speed until smooth. Optional: Pour the drink through a fine mesh strainer into a large pitcher. (I strain other types of melons but haven't found it necessary with watermelon.) Note: If you're making a double batch and it won't all fit in the blender, but what you can do instead is add just part of the water to the blender with the melon and sugar, pour the mixture into your serving pitcher, and then stir in the remaining water. Chill in the fridge for at least an hour. To serve, fill glasses with ice cubes, pour in the watermelon agua fresca, and garnish with a mint sprig and/or a slice of lime.
- Note: The ratio of fruit to water and sugar can be changed to suit your personal preference.
Susan says
Just remember that watermelon is a laxative if eaten too much. This tastes yummy but no more than a glass a day .
Kimberly Killebrew says
Good point, Susan! :)
Carol says
Excellent idea!I had just bought a watermelon at the market and its boiling outside, so this is perfect for a refreshing beverage on a hot day. Its very delicious and I like it unstrained too. Thanks!
Kimberly Killebrew says
Thank you, Carol! I agree, I’ve really been enjoying coming in from the hot and humid outdoors for an ice cold glass of this!