Beat the heat with this thirst quenching watermelon agua fresca that is sure to be the hit of your next gathering. With just a handful of ingredients and 10 minutes of time, you can make a pitcher full of this sweet and refreshing cooler that will be a delicious addition to your next barbecue, or the most popular mocktail at your next patio party!
What is Agua Fresca?
Agua Fresca is very simply put, fresh fruit water. Also known as Agua de Sandia in Spanish (which directly translates to watermelon water), this watermelon agua fresca is made quickly and easily by blending juicy, fresh watermelon with lime juice, mint and sugar, then stirring in lots of cold water for a hydrating and delicious summertime drink. Agua Frescas come in many flavours and are commonly sold by street vendors and in markets in Mexico. Agua Frescas typically follow the same formula of blending fresh fruit with sugar, water and other flavourings such as citrus juice or fresh herbs. Packed with sweet fruity flavour, agua frescas are a more interesting way of staying hydrated than plain water, and are a lovely summer time drink to offer those who prefer non alcoholic drinks. In fact, mocktails are gaining so much in popularity, it has now become a trend to offer a delicious non-alcoholic option that is just as considered and beautiful as any cocktail. For an extra special touch, rim your glasses with sugar and garnish with fresh mint and lime wheels. See 
Bright Idea below for how-to for sugar rimmed glasses.
What is in Watermelon Agua Fresca?
The list of ingredients is short and sweet for this sweet and tangy drink!
- Watermelon: This drink is best made with in-season, ripe watermelon. Look for a seedless variety so you don’t have to pick out the black seeds.
- Fresh lime juice: Balance the sweet flavour of the watermelon with tart lime juice. Freshly squeezed tastes the best. If you don’t have limes, you can substitute lemon juice. The flavour of the drink will of course be a little different, but it will still be delicious!
- Sugar: Whirl this drink in the blender to help regular granulated sugar dissolve. This recipe calls for 1/4 cup of sugar, which is plenty to go alongside a sweet watermelon. However, this recipe is a great way to use up a watermelon that is a little more on the sour side, that you don’t want to eat by the slice or in salads. Simply add more sugar to the blender to balance it out.
- Fresh mint: Watermelon and mint are a flavour combination for the ages. Add chopped fresh mint to the watermelon in the blender and blend until only small flecks of green remain. The straining process will remove any remaining pieces of mint, leaving lots of delicious minty flavour behind.
- Cold water: Agua frescas aren’t juice, but some versions are more of a flavourful fruity drink and some are more of a water drink with just a hint of fruit. This version has lots of fresh, fruity, minty flavour. If you prefer a more dilute drink, split the puréed watermelon mixture into two pitchers, instead of one, and add water to taste.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Like all agua frescas, this watermelon version is best served very cold over plenty of ice. You won’t go wrong serving a chilled pitcher of watermelon agua fresca on any warm afternoon, whether you’re serving food alongside or just having a drink. Naturally, this agua fresca pairs perfectly with the flavours of Mexican foods. With its sweet and tangy nature, it complements salty foods beautifully. I love serving this quencher alongside whipped feta and crisp crackers.
Bright Idea: Sugar Rimmed Glasses
For an extra pretty presentation, rim your glassware with sugar. Working with one glass at a time, run a slice of lime around the lip of a glass to moisten the edge, then invert the glass into a plate or shallow bowl of sugar. Twist the glass to roll the edges in the sugar, then turn the glass right side up. Allow to dry for a few minutes, then fill with ice and agua fesca.
Watermelon Agua Fresca
Ingredients
- 6 cups chilled seedless watermelon, cut in cubes (about 1/2 of a medium watermelon)
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 Tbsp finely chopped fresh mint, packed
- 3 cups cold water
- lime wheels and fresh mint leaves for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Place 4 cups of the cubed watermelon in a blender or food processor. Add the lime juice, sugar and mint, and purée until watermelon liquifies and space is created in the blender. Add the rest of the cubed watermelon and blend until smooth.
- Strain the watermelon mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a large pitcher. Discard the solids. Stir in cold water and chill in the fridge until cold.
- Stir before serving in ice filled glasses. Garnish with lime wheels and fresh mint if desired.
RECIPE NOTES
- To make this a sparkling drink, prepare the watermelon “concentrate” and add it to the pitcher. Chill the concentrate until you are ready to serve, then add 3 cups of sparkling water or club soda just before serving.
- It is normal for the agua fresca to separate as it chills. Simply stir it up before serving.
- This drink is best served fresh the day it is made. It can be kept covered in the fridge for a day or two, but it will loose its fresh flavours and bright colour with time.
- Agua Fresca is a delicious and hydrating non-alcoholic drink. That being said, some shots of tequila or vodka added to the pitcher will quickly turn this drink from a family-friendly mocktail into an adult cocktail.
