Watermelon Agua Fresca (Agua De Sandia)

Watermelon Agua Fresca – This fresh watermelon water (agua de sandia) is so refreshing on a hot day or paired with all your Mexican & Tex-Mex favorites.

Are you staying cool in all this summer heat!? We’ve been sipping all the cold drinks to satisfy our summer thirst!

Along with other popular Mexican drinks, like a frosty mangonada, or a chilled glass of horchata, aguas frescas are delightfully refreshing on a hot day or next to your favorite spicy or savory dishes (taco night, anyone?!)

Agua fresca means “fresh water” and refers to fruit-flavored water drinks. Aguas Frescas can be made with basically any fruit–pineapple, cucumber, cantaloupe, orange, strawberry, mango, etc. They’re more like fruit-flavored waters than juice or lemonade. They’re fresh, cool, and so delicious! Today I’m sharing my favorite agua fresca: watermelon!

Watermelon agua fresca (agua de sandia) is light, ultra hydrating thanks to the natural electrolytes in watermelon, and tastes like summer in a cup!

Plus, you only need 3 INGREDIENTS to make it! Grab a cup and a blender, and let’s make watermelon agua fresca…

Here’s What You Need To Make Watermelon Aguas Frescas (Agua De Sandia)

So what is watermelon agua fresca made of? Just 3 simple ingredients + any extras you like!

• Fresh Watermelon. The better your watermelon, the better your watermelon agua fresca will be! Don’t miss our tips in the FAQ below for choosing a great watermelon every time. Agua de sandia (watermelon water) is a great way to use up leftover watermelon!
• Cold Water. I use the coldest water possible because friends don’t let friends have warm summer drinks.
• Sweetener. Sugar or agave nectar works, though you’re welcome to experiment with alternative sweeteners, like monkfruit or stevia. I find that honey and maple syrup are NOT great for aguas frescas, as they impact the flavor too much for my taste.
• Extras. I like to add a squeeze of lime juice, a tiny (like TINY) pinch of salt to my watermelon aguas frescas. The fresh lime juice adds a little brightness with its acidity, and the salt adds electrolytes and brings out the natural flavor of the watermelon (weird, but true!).
• Ice. I love to serve my watermelon water with lots of ice so they’re as cold and refreshing as possible. Yum!

How To Make Watermelon Water, Step By step:

1. Add half of the watermelon, 1 cup of water, the sugar, the lime juice, and the salt to a blender.
2. Puree until the mixture is as smooth as possible.
3. Pour the watermelon mixture through a fine mesh strainer or sieve to remove the pulp and transfer the strained juice to a pitcher.
4. Blend the rest of the watermelon with the remaining 1 cup water, strain it, and add to the pitcher along with the other strained juice. Stir well to combine.
5. Add ice & serve with your favorite garnishes!

Pretty ways To Garnish Aguas Frescas:

• With Some Watermelon Garnish! Mimic the flavor of your watermelon water with some extra watermelon! Add a little wedge to the side of your glass, try a few watermelon balls (made with a melon baller!), or cut out some shapes with a mini vegetable or cookie cutter to add some fun flair to your glass.
• With Some Fresh Lime Or Mint. Add another fresh pop of color with some lime slices, lime wedges or some fresh mint. I love the way mint and watermelon go together, and the lime really adds some brightness. If you’re not a mint fan, basil or other fresh herbs can also be lovely!
• Add A Lime Sugar Rim. Run a lime wedge around the edge of your glass and dip in sugar (or lime sugar!) before filling with your watermelon agua fresca. This adds a pretty, festive effect that makes it instantly feel like a party!
• Use Some Tajin! Tajin–a fan favorite Mexican seasoning made from mild chilis, salt, and lime–is commonly paired with sweet fruits like mangos and melons. It’s tangy, a little salty, and has a subtle, mild, smoky kick. Adding a tiny pinch to your glass as garnish or a bit around the rim can add a fun flair to your watermelon water! Once you try it, you’ll add it to all kinds of things (taco slaw, chicken, veggies, etc.!).

FAQ + Tips And Tricks For The Best Watermelon Aguas Frescas:

Trust Your Tastebuds! The amount of sweetener you add will depend on the ripeness/sweetness of your watermelon and your own tastebuds. Start small, and add more sweetener, as needed.

How Long Will Watermelon Agua Fresca Stay Fresh? Stored in the refrigerator, watermelon agua fresca will stay fresh about 4-5 days. You can also freeze it into popsicle molds or freeze it in an ice cube tray to prolong the shelf life or use leftovers!

Is Agua Fresca Alcoholic? No. Most aguas frescas aren’t alcoholic, though some folks like to add a splash of alcohol (like tequila, vodka, or rum) to turn it into a cocktail.

Do You Use Seeded Watermelon Or Seedless Watermelon For Agua Fresca? Either will work, especially since you’re straining the mixture, which will remove any pulp or seeds.

Is Watermelon Agua Fresca Healthy? It’s got plenty of vitamin C and some electrolyes, plus it’s lower in sugar than most sodas and has less sugar per serving than many juices. That said, it is sweetened, so it depends on your idea of healthy!

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