Watermelon Agua Fresca
Agua fresca is a light drink of blended fruit, water, and a little lime and sugar. Ripe watermelon makes it sweet, pink, and refreshing. Scale the people count in the app to 2, 4, 6, or 8 — ingredients adjust from this base of 4 servings.
Open interactive cooker (change people count)
Food safety
Scrub the watermelon rind before cutting so the knife does not carry germs into the fruit. Keep cut watermelon and the finished drink refrigerated. Do not leave it out more than 2 hours (1 hour if above 90°F).
Allergens: None listed
Equipment
- blender
- fine-mesh strainer
- pitcher
- knife
- cutting board
Ingredients (for 4 servings)
- 6 cups seedless watermelon, cubed
- 2 cups cold water
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 cups ice cubes
- 4 fresh mint sprigs, for garnish
Directions
1. Scrub the outside of the watermelon and the limes under running water and dry them before cutting. Rinse the mint.
2. Cut the watermelon flesh away from the rind and into cubes.
3. Blend the watermelon, cold water, lime juice, and sugar on high for 30 seconds until smooth.
4. Pour through a fine-mesh strainer into a pitcher, pressing lightly with a spoon. Discard the pulp.
5. Taste and add more sugar or lime if needed.
6. Serve over ice with a mint sprig.
Skill taught
Blending and straining fruit for a smooth, light drink.
Affordable substitution
Buy a whole watermelon rather than pre-cut; one small melon makes several batches.
Optional variation
Blend in 1/2 cup sliced strawberries or a few cucumber slices.
Leftovers & storage
Refrigerate in a covered pitcher at 40°F or below and drink within 2 days. Stir before serving because it separates.