Watermelon Mint Agua Fresca
A vibrant and incredibly refreshing Mexican-inspired drink, this Watermelon Mint Agua Fresca perfectly blends sweet watermelon with zesty lime and cool mint for a hydrating treat.
For 4 servings
Prepare the Watermelon: Cut the seedless watermelon into roughly 1-inch cubes. You will need about 4 cups of cubed watermelon for this recipe.
Combine Ingredients: In a high-speed blender, combine the cubed watermelon, fresh lime juice, and fresh mint leaves.
Add Water and Sweetener: Pour in 1 cup of cold water. If desired, add 1-2 tablespoons of agave nectar or sugar for extra sweetness, though ripe watermelon is often sweet enough on its own.
Blend Until Smooth: Blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and no large chunks of watermelon or mint remain. This usually takes 1-2 minutes, depending on your blender.
Strain (Optional but Recommended): For a smoother texture, pour the blended mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher or bowl, pressing gently on the solids with a spoon or spatula to extract all the liquid. Discard the pulp.
Chill: Taste the agua fresca and adjust sweetness or lime if needed. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to chill thoroughly and for the flavors to meld.
Serve: Fill individual glasses with ice cubes. Pour the chilled Watermelon Mint Agua Fresca over the ice.
Garnish: Garnish each glass with a fresh mint sprig and/or a lime wheel before serving immediately.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use very ripe, sweet watermelon for the best flavor, which will also reduce or eliminate the need for added sweeteners.
- 2For an extra cold drink without dilution, freeze some watermelon chunks overnight and use them in place of some of the fresh watermelon.
- 3Don't over-blend if you prefer a slightly thicker texture; however, for a true agua fresca, a smooth consistency is key.
- 4If you don't have a fine-mesh sieve, you can skip straining for a slightly pulpier, more fiber-rich drink.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Kick
Add a thin slice of jalapeño (seeds removed for less heat) or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the blender for a subtle, refreshing heat.
Tropical TwistTropical Twist
Introduce 1/2 cup of pineapple chunks or a splash of coconut water to the blend for a more tropical and exotic flavor profile.
Herbal InfusionHerbal Infusion
Experiment with other fresh herbs like basil or cilantro instead of mint for different aromatic and savory notes.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Hydration
Watermelon is over 90% water, making this drink an excellent way to replenish fluids and electrolytes, especially beneficial in hot weather or after exercise.
Rich in Antioxidants
Watermelon contains lycopene, a powerful antioxidant responsible for its red color, which may help protect cells from damage and support overall health.
Vitamin C Boost
Both lime juice and watermelon provide a good source of Vitamin C, an essential nutrient for immune system function, collagen production, and skin health.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can prepare the agua fresca up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight pitcher in the refrigerator. Stir well before serving as some separation may occur.
