Quench your thirst and beat the heat with this quick and easy watermelon water (aka watermelon agua fresca). With just three simple ingredients and five minutes, this vibrant drink is the epitome of summer refreshment. It’s bursting with the natural sweetness of watermelon and is the perfect way to cool down on a hot day!
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Also known as agua de sandia in Spanish or watermelon agua fresca, this refreshing drink is perfect for hot summer days! After living in Mexico for several years, I’m quite partial to aguas frescas. They are made by blending fresh fruit, water, sugar, and sometimes other ingredients like lime juice or herbs and are served chilled.
They’re commonly sold by street vendors, in markets, and in restaurants specializing in Mexican cuisine. They’re so flavorful and more enjoyable than drinking plain water to hydrate (in my humble opinion).
After leaving Mexico, I knew I couldn’t live without some delicious aguas frescas so I took to the kitchen to create some of my favorites at home! Chia lime agua fresca is a classic but this delicious watermelon agua fresca recipe is quickly becoming a new favorite!
This Mexican drink made with juicy watermelon, fresh squeezed lime juice, and water comes together quickly. When it’s watermelon season, you must try this recipe—it’s a crowd favorite and will make you feel like you’ve been transported to Mexico with one sip!
Ingredient Notes
You only need 4 ingredients but one of them is water, so does that even count? Nah. Let’s call it three.
- Ripe watermelon – For this recipe, opt for seedless watermelon, as it saves time on preparation.
- Lime Juice – Freshly squeezed lime juice adds some zest to balance out the sweetness of the watermelon.
- Agave or maple syrup – If you prefer yours sweeter, a touch of added sugar is a great addition. I like to add a little, especially if my watermelon isn’t very ripe.
See the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for exact measurements.
How To Pick a Ripe Watermelon
Picking a ripe watermelon involves a few key indicators:
- Look for a creamy yellow spot: Find the side of the watermelon with a creamy yellow spot. This is where it sat on the ground ripening in the sun. The yellower the spot, the longer it ripened on the vine.
- Check for a dull rind: A ripe watermelon typically has a dull, rather than shiny, outer surface.
- Tap for a hollow sound: Give the watermelon a gentle tap. You should hear a hollow sound, indicating that it’s full of juice and ripe.
- Examine the stem: If the watermelon still has a stem, it should be dry and brown, not green.
- Assess the weight: A ripe watermelon will feel heavy for its size due to its high water content.
Variations
Watermelon water is so easy to customize. Use it as a base to create any type of agua fresca flavor you desire! Here are some of my favorite watermelon flavor variations:
- Minty Twist: Add a handful of fresh mint leaves to the watermelon mixture before blending for a refreshing hint of mint.
- Tropical Fusion: Blend the watermelon with some pineapple chunks or coconut water for a tropical flair.
- Spicy Kick: For a bit of heat, add a small amount of chopped jalapeño or a pinch of chili lime seasoning to the watermelon mixture.
- Citrus Burst: Experiment with different citrus fruits like lemon or orange juice instead of lime juice for a tangy variation.
- Herbal Infusion: Infuse the watermelon water with herbs like basil or rosemary for a unique herbal twist.
- Berry Blend: Mix in some fresh berries such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for added sweetness and flavor complexity.
- Cucumber Refresher: Blend cucumber slices with the watermelon for a cooling and hydrating drink with a hint of cucumber freshness.
How to Cut a Watermelon
Wash the watermelon thoroughly under cold running water before cutting. On a clean cutting board, use a sharp knife to cut off both ends of the watermelon, creating flat surfaces for stability.
Starting from the top, use your knife to slice downward, following the curve of the fruit, and remove the rind in sections. Once removed, you’ll have a large cylinder of watermelon flesh. Lay the cylinder flat on the cutting board and slice it into discs about 1-inch thick. Stack a few discs together and cut them into strips, then turn the strips 90 degrees and cut them into cubes.
How to Make Watermelon Water
Step 1: Add the watermelon cubes and lime juice into the blender, blending until smooth and thoroughly mixed. Sample the agua fresca and adjust sweetness to taste by incorporating your preferred sweetener if desired.
Step 2: Optionally, strain the agua fresca through a fine mesh sieve to eliminate any pulp.
Step 3: Pour the agua fresca into a pitcher and refrigerate until cold, or serve immediately over ice.
For an extra touch, garnish each glass with fresh mint leaves or a lime wedge if preferred. Give it a gentle stir before serving as the watermelon pulp may have separated.
Now you have a delicious large pitcher of watermelon water to serve at barbecues, brunches, holidays, and gatherings!
FAQ’s
Yes, watermelon water is generally considered healthy. It’s low in calories and contains high amounts of water, making it hydrating and refreshing. Additionally, watermelon is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants like lycopene, which may have various health benefits, including reducing the risk of certain diseases and promoting heart health. However, like any food or drink, moderation is key, especially for individuals monitoring their sugar intake, as watermelon does contain natural sugars.
It’s made primarily from watermelon along with water and optionally sweeteners or flavorings. The basic recipe typically includes fresh seedless watermelon, cold water, and lime juice blended together until smooth. Some recipes may also include sweeteners such as sugar, honey, agave syrup, or maple syrup to enhance the sweetness, although this is optional depending on personal preference and the natural sweetness of the watermelon.
More Refreshing Drink Recipes
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Watermelon Water (3 Ingredients)
Ingredients
- 4 cups seedless watermelon cubed
- 2 cups cold water
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2-4 tablespoons agave syrup or maple syrup
Instructions
- Place the cubed watermelon in a blender or food processor. Add the cold water and lime juice to the blender. Blend the mixture until smooth and well combined.4 cups seedless watermelon, 2 cups cold water, 2 tablespoons lime juice
- Taste the agua fresca and adjust the sweetness by adding your preferred sweetener, if desired. Blend again briefly to incorporate.2-4 tablespoons agave syrup
- If desired, strain the watermelon water through a fine mesh sieve to remove any pulp, although this step is optional.
- Transfer the watermelon agua fresca to a pitcher and refrigerate until chilled, or serve immediately over ice cubes. Garnish each glass with fresh mint leaves or lime slices, if desired. Stir well before serving, as the watermelon pulp may have separated.