Watermelon Agua Fresca

A simple 4-ingredient watermelon agua fresca (agua de sandia) made by blending fresh watermelon with cold water, lime juice, and optional sweetener. Ready in 10 minutes, sugar-free with a ripe melon, and stays fresh for 3 days in the fridge.

Course Drinks

Cuisine Mexican

Keyword agua de sandia, agua fresca, fruit drinks, non-alcoholic drinks, summer drinks, watermelon agua fresca, watermelon agua fresca recipe

Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Servings 4 glasses

Calories 55kcal

Author Alex

Cost $4

Equipment

1 High-speed blender
1 Fine mesh strainer or nut milk bag for extra-clear result
1 Glass pitcher
1 Citrus juicer

Ingredients

For the Agua Fresca

6 cups seedless watermelon cubed, about 1/2 a small watermelon
3/4 cup cold water start here, add more to taste
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice about 2 limes
1-2 tablespoons sugar, honey, or agave optional -- taste melon first, you may not need any

For Serving

Ice
Lime wedges and fresh mint sprigs optional garnish

Instructions

Prepare

Cut a small cube of watermelon and taste it before blending anything. If it is sweet and juicy, you may not need any sugar at all. If it tastes flat or mild, plan to add 1 to 2 tablespoons of sweetener after blending.
Remove the rind and cut the watermelon flesh into rough 2-inch cubes. If using a seeded variety, remove as many seeds as possible before blending to get a cleaner result.

Blend and Strain

Add the watermelon cubes and 3/4 cup cold water to your blender. Blend on high for 30 to 45 seconds until completely smooth with no chunks remaining.
Set a fine mesh strainer over a large pitcher or bowl. Pour the blended watermelon through the strainer, pressing gently with a spoon to push the liquid through. Discard the pulp.

Flavor and Adjust

Stir in 3 tablespoons of fresh lime juice. Taste the mixture -- it should be bright, slightly tart, and clearly watermelon-forward. If it tastes flat, add another half teaspoon of lime juice.
If the melon was underripe or the drink tastes flat, add 1 tablespoon of sugar, honey, or agave and stir until fully dissolved. Taste again and add more in 1 teaspoon increments only if needed.
Add cold water in 1/4 cup increments, tasting as you go. Stop when the flavor is concentrated but not too thick. Depending on your melon, you may need anywhere from 0 to 1 additional cup.

Serve

Fill glasses with ice cubes. Pour the watermelon agua fresca over the ice and garnish with a lime wedge and fresh mint sprig if using. Serve immediately for the best flavor and color.
Transfer any remaining agua fresca to a sealed container or pitcher with a lid and refrigerate. It stays fresh for up to 3 days. Stir before serving as natural separation will occur.

Notes

Ripeness is the most important variable. A peak-season farmers market watermelon will need zero added sugar. A supermarket melon bought off-season may need 2 tablespoons. Always taste before adding sweetener. -- For a mint version: blend a small handful of fresh mint leaves in with the watermelon and strain with everything else. -- To freeze as popsicles: pour the finished agua fresca into popsicle molds and freeze for 4 hours minimum.