Cool Watermelon Agua Fresca

Finding a refreshing drink that actually cools you down on scorching summer days can feel impossible. Sure, you could reach for another sugary soda or expensive juice from the store, but those never seem to hit the spot when the heat is really getting to you, and they often leave you feeling more thirsty than before.

Thankfully, this watermelon agua fresca solves all those problems: it’s naturally sweet and hydrating, takes just minutes to blend together, and uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

What Kind of Watermelon Should I Use?

Any variety of watermelon will work great for agua fresca, but you’ll want to pick one that’s nice and ripe for the best flavor. Look for a watermelon that sounds hollow when you tap it and has a creamy yellow spot where it sat on the ground – that’s your sign it’s ready to go. Seedless watermelons are convenient since you won’t have to worry about picking out seeds, but seeded varieties often have more intense flavor. If you do go with a seeded watermelon, just make sure to remove all the black seeds before blending, as they can make your drink taste bitter.

Options for Substitutions

This refreshing drink is pretty forgiving when it comes to swaps and adjustments:

• White sugar: You can easily swap white sugar for honey, agave nectar, or simple syrup. Start with about ¼ cup and adjust to taste. For a healthier option, try stevia or monk fruit sweetener – just use much less since they’re more concentrated.
• Watermelon: While watermelon is the star here, you could try cantaloupe or honeydew melon for a different flavor profile. The texture and sweetness will be similar, so no other changes needed.
• Lime: Fresh lemon slices work great if you’re out of limes. You could also use bottled lime juice – about 2 tablespoons should do the trick.
• Fresh mint: No fresh mint? Try fresh basil for an interesting twist, or use about 1 tablespoon of dried mint (though fresh really is best here). You could also skip the mint entirely for a simpler version.
• Water: For extra flavor, try coconut water instead of regular water. It adds a subtle tropical taste that pairs nicely with watermelon.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest mistake when making agua fresca is over-blending the watermelon, which can make your drink bitter and cloudy instead of refreshing – pulse the blender just until the fruit breaks down, then strain through a fine mesh to remove any pulp.

Another common error is adding too much sugar at once without tasting first, since watermelon sweetness varies greatly depending on ripeness, so start with less sugar and adjust gradually to your preference.

Don’t muddle the mint too aggressively or you’ll release bitter compounds from the stems – gently bruise the leaves with the back of a spoon instead, and always add the ice last to prevent diluting the flavors.

For the best results, chill your agua fresca for at least an hour before serving, and give it a good stir since the ingredients tend to separate naturally.

What to Serve With Watermelon Agua Fresca?

This refreshing drink is perfect alongside spicy Mexican dishes like tacos, quesadillas, or grilled chicken with chili lime seasoning – the sweet watermelon really helps cool down the heat. I love serving it at summer barbecues with grilled corn on the cob, fish tacos, or anything cooked on the grill since it’s so cooling and light. It also pairs beautifully with fresh fruit salads, chips and guacamole, or even a simple cheese and crackers platter for outdoor gatherings. For brunch, try it with huevos rancheros or breakfast burritos to balance out those bold morning flavors.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate: Your agua fresca tastes best when it’s fresh, but you can keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days in a covered pitcher or jar. Give it a good stir before serving since the ingredients might separate a bit. I like to strain out the mint leaves after a few hours so the flavor doesn’t get too strong.

Make Ahead: You can prep the watermelon base ahead of time by blending the watermelon, water, and sugar together. Store this concentrate in the fridge for up to 3 days, then just add fresh lime, mint, and ice when you’re ready to serve. This makes it super easy for parties or hot summer days!

Serve Cold: This drink is all about being ice-cold and refreshing, so always serve it over plenty of fresh ice. If it’s been sitting in the fridge, add more ice cubes and maybe a fresh lime slice to perk it back up. Don’t leave it out at room temperature for more than an hour or two.

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 350-450
• Protein: 4-6 g
• Fat: 0-1 g
• Carbohydrates: 90-110 g

Ingredients

• 4 cups watermelon, seeded and cubed
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
• 4 lime wheels
• 24 mint leaves, fresh
• 8 cups ice cubes, or as needed

Step 1: Prepare the Watermelon Puree

• 4 cups watermelon, seeded and cubed
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)

Place the seeded and cubed watermelon along with the water into a blender.

Blend until smooth, then add granulated sugar, starting with the amount listed and adjusting to taste.

Blend again to mix thoroughly until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.

I like to taste the puree here and add a little more sugar if the watermelon isn’t very sweet.

Step 2: Muddle Mint and Lime in Glasses

• 4 lime wheels
• 24 mint leaves, fresh

Cut each lime wheel in half.

Place half a lime wheel and 3 fresh mint leaves into each of 8 serving glasses.

Use a cocktail muddler to gently crush the mint and lime together, releasing the mint oils and lime juice to flavor the drink’s base.

Step 3: Fill Glasses with Ice

• 8 cups ice cubes, or as needed

Fill each glass with about 1 cup of ice cubes, or as much as needed to nearly fill the glass.

This keeps the drink cold and refreshingly crisp.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve the Agua Fresca

• watermelon puree from Step 1
• glasses with muddled mint and lime from Step 2
• glasses filled with ice from Step 3

Pour the blended watermelon mixture from Step 1 over the ice, mint, and lime in each glass.

Stir gently to combine.

Serve immediately, garnished with additional mint leaves or lime wheels if desired.

For an extra burst of flavor, I sometimes add a splash of sparkling water to the top before serving.

Cool Watermelon Agua Fresca

Delicious Cool Watermelon Agua Fresca recipe with step-by-step instructions.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 4 cups watermelon, seeded and cubed
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
• 4 lime wheels
• 24 mint leaves, fresh
• 8 cups ice cubes, or as needed

Instructions

 

• Place the seeded and cubed watermelon along with the water into a blender. Blend until smooth, then add granulated sugar, starting with the amount listed and adjusting to taste. Blend again to mix thoroughly until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth. I like to taste the puree here and add a little more sugar if the watermelon isn't very sweet.
• Cut each lime wheel in half. Place half a lime wheel and 3 fresh mint leaves into each of 8 serving glasses. Use a cocktail muddler to gently crush the mint and lime together, releasing the mint oils and lime juice to flavor the drink's base.
• Fill each glass with about 1 cup of ice cubes, or as much as needed to nearly fill the glass. This keeps the drink cold and refreshingly crisp.
• Pour the blended watermelon mixture from Step 1 over the ice, mint, and lime in each glass. Stir gently to combine. Serve immediately, garnished with additional mint leaves or lime wheels if desired. For an extra burst of flavor, I sometimes add a splash of sparkling water to the top before serving.