When the sun’s beating down and the pavement feels like a skillet, nothing hits the reset button like a chilled glass of watermelon agua fresca. Light, hydrating, and kissed with a hint of lime, it’s a recipe that balances tropical flair with the ease of a front-porch pour.
Inspired by the street vendors of Mexico and the fresh fruit markets of Southeast Asia, this drink brings bold refreshment with minimal effort. It tastes amazing alongside our Crustless Mini Quiche and Tuna Appetizer —a combo that turns any casual hangout into a sun-soaked spread worth savoring.
Whether you strain it smooth or keep a little pulp for body, every sip is like a splash of summer you can hold. Once you’ve blended this beauty, you’ll want to explore endless variations with mint, cucumber, or even a dash of Tajín.
Flavor Bomb Alert!

- I made this on a whim for a brunch and ended up making two more batches—everyone kept asking for refills because it actually cooled them down.
- Pairing it with light bites like mini quiches made it feel like a full meal without the food coma—perfect for summer hosting.
- I’ve tried adding fresh basil and even swapped lime for lemon once—it’s incredibly forgiving, which makes it fun to experiment with.
- It gave me a way to use up overripe watermelon that wasn’t great for slicing—nothing wasted, everything delicious.
- The taste is juicy, tangy, and totally thirst-quenching—like the grown-up version of a childhood favorite, minus the sugar crash.

Watermelon Agua Fresca Recipe
Equipment
- Blender
- Fine-mesh strainer (optional)
- Measuring cups
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- 8 Serving glasses
- Cocktail muddler
Ingredients
- ½ cup water
- 24 fresh mint leaves
- 8 cups ice or as needed
- 4 cups cubed seeded watermelon
- ½ cup white sugar or to taste
- 4 slices lime
Instructions
- Add the cubed watermelon and water to a blender.
- Blend until the mixture is completely smooth.
- Add sugar gradually, blending briefly after each addition, until the desired sweetness is reached.
- Cut the lime slices in half.
- Place one half-slice of lime and 3 mint leaves into each of the 8 glasses.
- Use a cocktail muddler to gently crush the lime and mint to release their flavors.
- Put the muddled juice of lime and mint in new glasses and fill each glass with 1 cup of ice.
- Pour the blended watermelon mixture into the glasses and stir gently before serving.
Notes
- Use seedless watermelon for easier blending and a smoother drink.
- If you prefer a pulp-free texture, strain the blended mixture before serving.
Calories | 72kcal |
Carbohydrates | 19g |
Protein | 1g |