We love summer and there’s nothing better on a warm summer day than a refreshing beverage. This quick, simple recipe is bound to quench your thirst, satisfy those tastebuds, keep you cool and impress the guests this summer. Agua Fresca, literally fresh water in Spanish, is the ubiquitous drink of choice across most of Mexico. We were never far from a large pitcher of colorful agua fresca in Mexico City and came to love the variety and subtle flavors of these fresh and often not-so-sweet beverages.
The combination of sweet, ripe watermelon with fragrant mint and the slight tang of the limes makes this the perfect summer refresher. For another beautiful and authentic Mexican Agua Fresca recipe, check out our recent guest post for Nancy’s Mexican Hibiscus Tea.
Watermelon Agua Fresca
Yield: About 32 ounces (4 cups), about 2-3 servings
Ingredients
- 4 heaped cups watermelon, seeded and cubed (about 3 pounds)
- 1¼ cups filtered cold water or coconut water
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup, agave or simple syrup
- Ice cubes for serving
- 4 fresh mint leaves for garnish
- 1 lime, quartered or thinly sliced for garnish
Method
Using a high-speed blender, combine watermelon and cold water and blend until smooth. Pour through a strainer or sieve into a Pyrex measuring cup (4-cup) or glass pitcher and remove watermelon pulp. Stir in lime juice, maple syrup and garnish with mint and lime wedges and refrigerate for at least an hour. Serve well-chilled over ice.
Notes
Advance preparation: Aguas frescas are best consumed on the day you prepare them. Store in the fridge until ready to serve. You can double the recipe for a group of 4.
Sweetener: If your watermelon isn’t very sweet, you may need to add additional sweetener 1/2 teaspoon at a time, stirring to incorporate. We enjoy ours with little to no sweetener for a nice, light, refreshing flavor.
Quick alcoholic version: Top with sparkling wine and garnish with a mint sprig for a refreshing summer spritzer.
