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    Home » All Recipes » Agua Frescas

    Cantaloupe Agua Fresca (Agua de Melon)

    Published: Aug 5, 2019 · Updated: May 22, 2023 by Maggie Unzueta

    Cantaloupe Agua Fresca (agua de melon) is a delightful blend of fresh melon, water, and a touch of sweetness that's impossible to resist. It's the perfect thirst quencher for a hot summer day.
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    Adding water to a pitcher with cantaloupe juice.
    Two glasses served with cantaloupe agua fresca and ice cubes
    Cantaloupe agua fresca served with plenty of ice
    Cantaloupe Agua Fresca served with ice in a glass.
    Two glasses served with Cantaloupe Agua Fresca sitting on a wooden cutting board.
    Pouring Cantaloupe Agua Fresca into glass with ice.
    Cantaloupe Agua Fresca served with ice in a glass.

    Cantaloupe Agua Fresca served with ice in a glass.

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Cantaloupe Agua Fresca (or Agua de Melón) is just one of many “aguas frescas” enjoyed across Mexico.

    These refreshing fruit-infused drinks are a staple of Mexican cuisine and are often served at family gatherings, parties, and street food stalls.

    Similar to Cucumber Agua Fresca and Pineapple Agua Fresca, it’s one of the best way to enjoy fresh fruits.

    Crisp, refreshing, and delicious. You’re going to love this delightful drink!

    Table of Contents

    • 1 Ingredients
    • 2 How to pick the perfect cantaloupe 
    • 3 Instructions
    • 4 Variations:
    • 5 Nutrition Information:
    • 6 ​Storing Instructions:
    • 7 More Aguas Frescas recipes:
      • 7.1 Hungry for More?
    • 8 Cantaloupe Agua Fresca (Agua de Melon)
      • 8.1 Ingredients
      • 8.2 Instructions
      • 8.3 Notes
      • 8.4 Nutrition

    Ingredients

    The ingredients needed to make Agua de Melon labeled and sitting on a white marble surface.

    • cantaloupe peeled and diced
    • sugar (adjust to taste)
    • water
    • Ice cubes for serving

    ​Fresh mint leaves or cantaloupe slices, for garnish (optional)

    Lime juice (optional)

    “Agua fresca” translated means fresh water. In essence, we’re making “cantaloupe water.”

    How to pick the perfect cantaloupe 

    • Look for a uniform, creamy-golden hue without large green patches
    • The surface should be slightly netted.
    • The stem end should be smooth and slightly sunken.
    • Gently press the blossom of the cantaloupe (opposite the stem) for slight yielding.
    • Ripe cantaloupe should emit a sweet, musky aroma.
    • Avoid soft spots or unpleasant odors. 

    Instructions

    Blending fresh cantaloupe in a food processor.

    • Begin by thoroughly washing the ripe melon. Then, cut it in half and remove the seeds using a spoon.
    • Cut the juicy melon into small chunks and remove the skin. Add the chunks to a blender.
    • Pour in 2 cups of cold water and a little sugar. Blend until smooth and well combined.

    You might need to do this in batches if your blender is small or if using a food processor.

    Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher, pressing down on the pulp to extract as much melon water as possible.

    Adding water to a pitcher with cantaloupe juice.

    • Add the remaining 2 cups water to the pitcher and stir well.
    • Taste and adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar if necessary.

    Chill the Agua de Melón in the refrigerator before serving. 

    Taste for good measure. How much sugar to add depends on how sweet the cantaloupe is. Adjust as needed.

    Pouring Cantaloupe Agua Fresca into glass with ice.

    When you’re ready to serve, pour over ice-filled glasses and garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.

    To add a touch of elegance, serve in decorative glasses with a slice of cantaloupe on the rim.

    Variations:

    For a sugar-free option, replace the granulated sugar with your favorite sugar substitutes, such as stevia or monk fruit.

    It’s also a good idea to use honey or agave syrup as a natural sweetener.

    Feel free to experiment with other types of melons, like honeydew, to create your own unique version.

    Two glasses served with Cantaloupe Agua Fresca sitting on a wooden cutting board.

    Nutrition Information:

    This easy agua de melon recipe is not only a simple and delicious drink to make, but it’s also packed with nutrients!  Its health benefits include being an excellent source of Vitamin C, which supports a healthy immune system and promotes skin health.

    ​Storing Instructions:

    Store in an airtight container, or cover the pitcher with plastic wrap, for up to 3-5 days. Place in a plastic bag and remove as much air as possible before sealing. Store in the freezer for up to 4 months. 

    Two glasses served with cantaloupe agua fresca and ice cubes

    More Aguas Frescas recipes:

    • Agua de Jamaica
    • Cucumber Lime Agua Fresca
    • Watermelon Agua Fresca
    • Agua de Tamarindo
    • Strawberry Agua Fresca

    Cantaloupe Agua Fresca is a simple recipe, yet delightfully refreshing with so much flavor This tasty beverage is the perfect drink for backyard barbecues or picnics. 

    Hungry for More?

    Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter for my latest recipes and videos.

    Agua de melon served on a glass with metal straw

    Cantaloupe Agua Fresca (Agua de Melon)

    Cantaloupe Agua Fresca (agua de melon) is a delightful blend of fresh melon, water, and a touch of sweetness that's impossible to resist. It's the perfect thirst quencher for a hot summer day.
    4.89 from 36 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Drinks
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 8 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 8 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6 -8
    Calories: 96kcal
    Author: Maggie Unzueta
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 1 cantaloupe peeled and diced
    • ½ cup sugar
    • 6 cups water
    • Ice

    Instructions

    • Add cantaloupe and ½ sugar to the blender.
    • Using the back of a cooking spoon, strain the mixture.
    • In a large pitcher, add the cantaloupe mixture and water.
    • Stir to combine.
    • Taste for good measure.
    • Add the rest of the sugar, if desired.
    • Serve over ice and enjoy!

    Notes

    For a Sugar Free Cantaloupe Agua Fresca: 1 teaspoon Stevia instead. Add more if desired.
    Depending on the how sweet the cantaloupe is, you might not even need to add sugar. Taste before adding more. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 96kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 27mg | Potassium: 246mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 3111IU | Vitamin C: 34mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @MamaMaggiesKitchen or tag #MamaMaggiesKitchen!

    Cantaloupe Agua Fresca, or Agua de Melon Cantaloupe Agua Fresca, or Agua de Melon, is made with ripe, juicy fruit. Refreshing and sweet and perfect for warm weather months. Enjoy! By Mama Maggie’s Kitchen Cantaloupe Agua Fresca, or Agua de Melon, is made with ripe, juicy fruit. Refreshing and sweet and perfect for warm weather months. Enjoy! By Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

    This post was republished with new images. You might remember the old ones. 

    More Agua Frescas

    • Agua de Mango served with ice next to a fresh mango on a wooden cutting board.
      Mango Agua Fresca (agua de mango)
    • Agua de Avena served in a crystal glass next to a bowl with dried oatmeal.
      Agua de Avena (Oat Water)
    • Horchata served in a glass with ice and a metal straw.
      Authentic Horchata Recipe (agua de horchata)
    • A glass full of ice and Agua de Tamarindo.
      Agua de Tamarindo (Tamarindo Drink) + VIDEO

    About Maggie Unzueta

    Maggie Unzueta is the face behind In Mama Maggie's Kitchen. She has been publishing Mexican recipes and creating delicious recipes since 2010. From family recipes to her extensive travels throughout Mexico, she brings traditional Mexican flavors from South of the Border and into your kitchen. Maggie has been featured in notable culinary websites and other media outlets. For more details, check out her About page.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      4.89 from 36 votes (34 ratings without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Fabiola Rodriguez

      August 09, 2017 at 6:10 pm

      5 stars
      This is my favorite agua fresca to make in the summer 🙂

      Reply
    2. Kate

      May 03, 2017 at 5:47 am

      5 stars
      This sounds so delicious and refreshing! I will pin this and try it later!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        May 03, 2017 at 3:29 pm

        Hope you do! 🙂

        Reply
    3. Crystal // Dreams, etc.

      May 02, 2017 at 12:33 pm

      I never knew that’s how to tell if a cantaloupe is ripe. I’ll have to try that the next time I pick one out. 🙂

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        May 03, 2017 at 3:31 pm

        Oh yeah! Give it a whiff. It’s the only way to get a ripe one.

        Reply
    4. Willow

      May 02, 2017 at 10:33 am

      I have been to Mexico because I live about an hour from the border. I have yet to try the agua frescas though! I will just have to make my own! This sounds amazing, especially since I love cantaloupe.

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        May 03, 2017 at 3:28 pm

        You’re going to love agua frescas. They’re the best way to cool down!

        Reply
      • Christal

        July 30, 2018 at 6:48 pm

        Is this the same thing they sell along the road in the glass barrels?

        Reply
    5. candy

      May 02, 2017 at 10:20 am

      Now this is something I will be adding to our drinks for this summer.

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        May 03, 2017 at 3:30 pm

        It’s perfect for summer!

        Reply
    6. hal

      May 02, 2017 at 9:43 am

      i’ve never heard of this but it looks so refreshing for summer i have to try it!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        May 03, 2017 at 3:29 pm

        It’s a favorite in my Mexico. Hope you try this. It’s delicious!

        Reply

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