Watermelon Agua Fresca

Nothing refreshes and quenches thirst better on a hot summer day than sweet, chilled Watermelon Agua Fresca.

Traditionally served in Mexico’s homes at midday or sold by local vendors, these cold drinks, made of fresh fruit, water and sugar take the sting out of hot summer afternoons.

Agua Fresca means fresh water or refreshing water.

Sometimes agua frescas contain cereals, flowers or seeds, but today we’re all about sweet, juicy watermelon.

My Watermelon Agua Fresca Recipe couldn’t be easier. Seriously, you can make this luscious, thirst busting drink almost as fast as you can think about it! Serve it along some fresh watermelon sticks! Learn How to cut watermelon sticks!

Make a whole pitcher to share while you kick back in the shade on your porch or patio. Love mocktails? You have got to bookmark, this Roy Rogers Drink.

Glass of watermelon fresca with ice cube and lime slices and watermelon garnish surrounded by limes.

Ingredient Spotlight

This just might be one of the shortest ingredient lists ever! Unless you’re in the Arctic, you’ll be able to get everything you need in a snap.

Ingredient 1 : Fresh Watermelon

You want cold ripe watermelon for this recipe. Super ripe watermelon makes the best agua fresca, because it’s so sweet. Can’t get watermelon? Try honeydew or cantaloupe. Read How to Pick Watermelon

Ingredient 2 : Water

There’s no substitute here. Use chilled water to get that crisp, cold refreshment factor. If you have access to filtered water, that’s always preferred for drinks. For extra coldness, make part of your water ice!

Ingredient 3 : Lime juice

Lime juice adds just the right bit of tartness. Fresh squeezed always tastes best, but you can sub with the bottled kind in a pinch.

Ingredient 4 : Agave Nectar

For additional sweetness, agave nectar blends well. However, if your watermelon is super ripe, juicy and sweet, you may not need it. It’s ok to sweeten with regular sugar too.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Watermelon Agua Fresca

Step 1 – Place the watermelon and 1 ½ cups of water in a blender and blend until smooth.

Step 2 – Strain through a mesh strainer into a pitcher.

Step 3 – Stir in the remaining water, lime juice, and agave to taste.

Step 4 – Serve chilled over ice. That’s it!

Once you try it, you and your crew will crave this super refreshing drink anytime the weather heats up!

Super fast and simple to make
Easy to source ingredients
Does a bang-up job of cooling you off on hot days!

Insider Pro Tips

Try other fruits

Any favorite fruits can be turned into agua fresca. Mango, pineapple, and strawberries are perfect. Even peaches or other kinds of melon are yummy choices. Oh, and cucumber!

Use the ripest watermelon

This might sound weird, but I like to use watermelon that is almost over. It’s still ok, but the texture’s a little grainy. You probably don’t like to eat it that way, but it’s ideal because it’s super sweet!

Bump up the lime

If your taste buds love that kick of tartness, feel free to add more lime juice to your watermelon fresca.

Get salty with it

You might be one of the people who like salt on your watermelon. If you are, then a pinch of salt in your watermelon agua fresca will give it that hint of savory that takes it over the top and really brings out the flavors.