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
Ingredients
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
Cantaloupe Agua Fresca (Agua de Melon)
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
Nutrition
This post was republished with new images. You might remember the old ones.
Maggie Unzueta is the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer, videographer, and creator of In Mama Maggie's Kitchen. She has been developing easy and authentic Mexican food, Mexican-inspired recipes, and traveling tips 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.
This is my favorite agua fresca to make in the summer 🙂
This sounds so delicious and refreshing! I will pin this and try it later!
Hope you do! 🙂
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. 🙂
Oh yeah! Give it a whiff. It’s the only way to get a ripe one.
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.
You’re going to love agua frescas. They’re the best way to cool down!
Is this the same thing they sell along the road in the glass barrels?
Now this is something I will be adding to our drinks for this summer.
It’s perfect for summer!
i’ve never heard of this but it looks so refreshing for summer i have to try it!
It’s a favorite in my Mexico. Hope you try this. It’s delicious!