Watermelon Agua Fresca is a refreshing sipper for summer's hottest days. Just 4 ingredients with no added sugar!
It feels like summer has officially arrived, as evidenced by the fact that we’re deck-sailing left and right (that is to say, every weekend)!
Of course I love a good cocktail or margarita, but when I’m craving something super hydrating and alcohol free, it’s got to be a pitcher of pink perfection, aka Watermelon Agua Fresca!
Hydrating Agua Fresca
Agua fresca is a cool and refreshing, non-alcoholic drink made by blending fresh fruit and water, and sometimes sugar. To celebrate the beginning of summer, aka watermelon season, I used the naturally super-sweet fruit as the base of my Watermelon Agua Fresca, which eliminated the need for added sugar, then squeezed in fresh lime juice for a touch of tartness.
Less sweet than juice, more flavor than those “hint” of xyz waters (which I just can’t get into no matter how hard I try,) Watermelon Agua Fresca is crisp, hydrating and perfectly refreshing.
In addition to this Watermelon Agua Fresca being a perfect patio sipping beverage, it’d be great for baby showers, a healthier option for kids vs juice with added sugar, or for a burst of energy and hydration either before or after a hot summer workout. Let’s do this!
Start with a big ol’ watermelon. Look for a watermelon that’s heavy for its size and has a big light-yellow spot on one side, indicating it’s been sitting in the sun ripening to perfection.
Chop the watermelon into big cubes then add 6 cups to a blender with the juice of 1-1/2 limes and 3/4 cup water then blend until very smooth.
Strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher using a spatula to help press every drop from the pulp.
Next grab some mint!
I planted a teeny tiny spearmint plant a few weeks ago and it has blossomed to almost four times its size in about as many weeks. Call me crazy but I always feel wistful snipping fresh herbs when they’ve worked so hard to grow, BUT the best way to make fresh herbs producer faster is to cut and use them.
Whether they’re home-grown or store-bought, spike a few sprigs of fresh mint into the watermelon agua fresca, then chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. When you’re ready to serve, fill the pitcher with ice then pour!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 cups chopped watermelon
- 1-1/2 limes, juiced, remaining half sliced into wedges for garnish
- 3/4 cup water
- 4 sprigs fresh mint, spearmint not peppermint
Directions
- Add watermelon, lime juice, and water to a blender then blend until very smooth.
- Strain liquid through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher then add mint sprigs and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Add ice to the pitcher then serve with fresh lime wedges for garnish.
Notes
- Add agave nectar, simple syrup, or powdered sugar to taste if drink is not naturally sweet enough for you.
Nutrition
Nutritional values are estimates only. Please read our full nutrition information disclaimer.
I just made this for a summer BBQ and it was a huge hit! I loved how easy it was to prepare and the flavor was so refreshing, perfect for hot weather.
Awesome!! So glad it was a refreshing hit!
I couldn’t find Spearmint. So I’m going to opt for trying some drops (by taste) of Young Living Spearmint essential oil in its place. :)
I’m not a fan of mint so i didn’t add it. But i did add a pinch of salt and it was wonderful. Thanks for the recipe.
This was delicious! I left out the mint since I didn’t have any, and it was still so good! I linked to it on my latest blog posting, so I hope that my family will make some the next time I go visit them. ;-) Thanks for posting!
This looks amazing! It hit 100* here in Napa yesterday for the first time this summer…this is the perfect thing to help keep the heat away.
I have fresh peppermint out back. Do you think peppermint is too strong or do you just prefer the taste of spearmint? Do you muddle the spearmint or just put the whole sprigs in the pitcher? I happen to have a watermelon handy so I will definitely try this.
I think the combo of peppermint and watermelon might be a bit off. It’s fine though – the drink will still taste great without it! :)
WOW, this looks delicious! Thank you for the recipe – will definetely try it out! :)
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This is a good as real food (or drinks) get! I love that it has no added sugar and is just bursting with flavour!
That looks so refreshing! Summer hasn’t really arrived where I live yet, but I’l bookmark this for later ;)
How refreshing & ideal for summer! I definitely am saving this recipe for when the weather gets hot.. here in Australia we’ve just gone into winter!
I was just trying to find a simple watermelon agua fresca recipe for a mops group dinner i put on here in Minnesota on Monday! I’m saving this for the next one!
I cannot wait to make this drink this weekend. It looks like the perfect fresh summer drink. And I love that it has no sugar.