How to Make Watermelon Agua Fresca (Easy Drink Recipe)

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Watermelon Aqua Fresca is a hydrating watermelon water that is bright in color and bursts with a sweet and refreshing flavor. This aqua Fresca is made with fresh watermelon, filtered water, sugar, and mint leaves. 

Hydrating and perfect to serve up in those hot summer months. Sip on watermelon agua fresca by the pool or serve it up next to your summer bbq cookout.

Make sure to try out this watermelon lemonade for another sweet treat. This is sweet and tart all in one. Or sip on this kiwi watermelon slushie. Or try my strawberry aqua fresca for another aqua fresca recipe.

If you want more watermelon dishes, I have a whole collection of easy watermelon recipes you’ll love that you should check out.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to prepare with just a few simple steps. The whole family will love this favorite summer drink.

• Made with fresh and ripe juicy watermelon! The perfect way to use up some of your summer fruit. 
• A sweet and hydrating drink you can sip on throughout a hot summer day or serve up to guests. 
• Versatile in ingredients you can use to flavor your water. 
• You control how sweet or mellow your watermelon aqua is! For added sweetness, add a little sugar or a bit more. 
• A great drink for the whole family to enjoy.

What Is Agua Fresca?

If you are new to the world of aqua fresca, it is water flavored with freshly blended fruit and a little sugar. This recipe uses fresh watermelon, water, and sugar. You can garnish it with mint leaves for a pop of color.

What’s In This Watermelon Agua Fresca Recipe?

• Watermelon—Reach for a ripe, seedless watermelon. Discard the rind and white, very light pink flesh. 
• Water – For aqua Fresca, I do recommend using filtered water. That way it doesn’t take on any other flavors in this delicious drink. 
• Sugar – I used granulated sugar to sweeten this watermelon water. You could always use a sugar substitute if you prefer. 
• Mint – The sprig of mint is optional for garnish. It also offers a nice minty flavor to go next to the sweetness of the cool water mixture. 

See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.

Substitutions and Variations

• Sweetener Alternatives: If you’re avoiding refined sugar, feel free to substitute it with honey, agave nectar, or maple syrup to taste. Each of these natural sweeteners brings its unique flavor profile to the drink, so start with a small amount and adjust according to your taste.
• Herb Variations: While mint offers a classic, refreshing taste, don’t be afraid to experiment with other herbs. Basil can provide an interesting twist, or try cilantro for a more vibrant kick.
• Sparkling Water: Replace filtered water with sparkling water for a fizzy variation. This adds a delightful effervescence to your Agua Fresca, making it an even more refreshing beverage option during the summer months.
• Mixed Fruit Options: While watermelon is the star of this easy recipe, adding or substituting with other fresh fruit can offer new flavors and colors. Cucumber adds a refreshing crispness, pineapple or mango can enhance sweetness, while citrus fruits like lime or lemon can introduce a tangy zest.
• Spicy Kick: For a surprising flavor contrast, add a dash of chili powder or a few slices of jalapeño to the blender when pureeing the watermelon. This combination of sweet and spicy can be quite refreshing and invigorating. 

How To Make Watermelon Mint Agua Fresca (step-by-step directions)

1. Add all ingredients except for the mint into a blender. 
2. Blend for about a minute until everything is well combined. (Photos 1 & 2)
3. Skim off any foam that has formed on the top with a ladle or spoon.
4. Pour mixture of watermelon agua into glasses filled with ice.
5. Garnish each glass with a sprig of mint for a refreshing touch! (Photo 3)

Recipe Tips

• The foam on top can be scooped with a spoon. Or you can run it through a fine mesh strainer with cheesecloth in it. 
• Feel free to add less or more sugar to adjust the sweetness. 
• Swap the granulated sugar with a sugar substitute, honey, or even agave. 
• Blend until all the watermelon has liquified. 
• Make sure to use a high-powered blender for the proper consistency. 
• This watermelon drink is delicious and served fresh and over a large cup of ice. 
• Feel free to add in a splash of lime juice, other fruit, etc. 

Storing Tips 

If you do not drink all your fresca, just place it in a sealed container and store it in the fridge for 2-3 days. You will find it changes flavor as it sits in the fridge. I do recommend stirring well before serving up after it has sat in the fridge. The mixture can separate a bit.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your aqua fresca with some rolled tacos for an easy dinner or snack pairing. Or go simple and reach for a fruit platter, a side of chiptole guacamole, or a peach salsa for dipping chips or other snacking food.

Or whip up your favorite grilled burgers and some Mexican street corn and serve it up as a summer cookout-inspired drink.

Recipe FAQs

Need More Refreshing Drink Recipes? Try These:

• Gatorade Slushies
• Rose Lemonade Cocktail
• Fresh Strawberry Agua Fresca
• Frozen Fuzzy Navels Recipe
• Lemonade Slush
• See all our easy drink recipes!

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