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Watermelon Agua Fresca (or Agua de Sandia) is a delicious way to quench your thirst. This is one of the easiest Mexican aguas frescas to make at home too.
Ah, summertime! What better way to cool off than with a tall glass of this refreshing drink?!
Small shops and street vendors often sell drinks like Agua de Jamaica, Agua de Pepino, and more.
This popular beverage is not only mouthwateringly delicious but also full of nutrients. Let me share my secrets for making the perfect “watermelon water” that’s sure to be a hit at any summer gathering.
Table of Contents
Ingredients

- Ripe Watermelon
- Water
- Sugar
Almost all agua frescas are made with only three ingredients: ripe fruit, water, and sugar.
That’s it. Contrary to popular belief, there is no caffeine in agua frescas.
You might also see “Agua de Sabor” or “Flavored Water” on the menu in Mexico. This means they have agua fresca, and you need to ask them what type they have available.
Note: “Agua Fresca” literally translated means “Fresh Water.”
INSTRUCTIONS
- Chop up a ripe watermelon.
- Or buy a fresh watermelon that has already been chopped.
How to choose a ripe watermelon?
Look for the yellow spot. This is the spot where the watermelon was resting on the ground. If it is yellow, it is ripe. If it is white, it still needs time to ripen.
Also, look for “webbing” or brown strips around and across the watermelon. This means the watermelon is sweet from the bees pollinating.
If the tail is still on the watermelon, it should be dry. If it is still green, that means it is not fully ripe.
- Add the watermelon to a blender.
- The blended watermelon mixture will be thick.
- Strain the mixture through a mesh sleeve into a bowl.
- Pour the strained mixture and remaining water into a large pitcher.
This is also the time to taste the mixture. I only used 1 tablespoon of sugar to start.
Sometimes, it needs more sugar. Other times, it doesn’t even need sugar. This depends on the watermelon you choose, and how sweet the fruit is.
If the drink is too sweet, add more water to adjust.
Straining really depends on you and your blender. Some blender will blend the fruit completely. For a smoother texture, strain away.
Sweetener equivalent: 1 teaspoon Stevia for 1 tablespoon sugar.
To make this refreshing drink diabetic-friendly, use Stevia instead of white sugar. Any sugar substitute would work too.
How long does Agua Fresca Last?
- It lasts up to 4 days in the fridge.
To make it last longer, add lime juice. The acid in the lime juice will help preserve the drink. Just know that it will change the flavor slightly.
Also, try adding mint to your agua fresca.
Freezing Instructions
To freeze, place in a sealable freezer bag and remove as much air as possible. Seal tight before placing in the freezer. It stores well for up to 5 months. When ready to consume, thaw and enjoy. Or, you can even make popsicles. Yummy!
More Mexican Agua Frescas:
🍉 Watermelon Agua Fresca is a delightful blend of juicy watermelon that’s perfect for sipping on a warm summer day. 🌞
For those of your 21 years and over, try adding vodka or tequila to this drink. It makes a great signature cocktail at parties.
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Did you make this recipe? Please rate the recipe below!
Watermelon Agua Fresca
Ingredients
- 4 cups watermelon
- 6 -8 cups water
- 1-2 tablespoon sugar (add more if needed)
Instructions
- Add watermelon to a blender.
- Blend the watermelon.
- Strain the blended watermelon.
- Pour the strained watermelon mixture into a pitcher.
- Add 6 cups of water and 1 tablespoons of sugar.
- Taste for good measure.
- Add more sugar or more water, if needed.
- Pour over ice and enjoy!
I’ve made this before and it’s so delicious and refreshing. It’s a favorite of mine and without the added sugar, it’s all natural. YUM!!!
I usually don’t add sugar either. Delicious just as is!
This looks so refreshing. I love watermelons but never occurred to me to make a drink. Now I must give this a try. It’s perfect for cooling this summer.
Recently we had a heatwave and I ONLY survived eating watermelon., I should’ve made watemelon aqua-fresca!
How easy is this recipe!! And perfect for the kids in this heat! I bet I could even make popsicles with this recipe! Love it!!
I really never knew that agua fresca was so easy! I love the watermelon option; we actually grew watermelon this year in our garden plot, but always just eat it as a snack (by itself). I would love to use some to make this instead!
I just picked up a watermelon today, and since it is looking sunny and warm all week, I just might need to whip up a batch of this refreshing drink! Also love that I can freeze it!
This is such a fun drink to liven things up – I love that it’s so simple and something we can all drink, even my little guy! He loves watermelon so is definitely all over the flavor. And then I can spice it up with mint or anything else for the grown-ups. Win-win!
This looks incredibly refreshing and so quenching! Perfect to sip on on a hot day! Watermelon is my favourite, definitely trying this as soon as I’m back from holidays!
Fabulous drink to stay fresh this summer. I mean, the color, the taste, the effect – everything is just what you would expect from a good summer ‘agua’ – yum!
This looks so refreshing! So easy to make, don’t know why I haven’t done it already. Going out now to get watermelon.
Watermelon is so refreshing, and this looks like the perfect beverage to sip on a hot day!
I love agua fresca! It is the perfect drink to sip on during these hot summer days. We just finished our new patio and if I could sit out there sipping on one of these I would be.
Agua Fresca is from the Gods!! Especially watermelon, it’s so refreshing on a hot summer’s day. I like being able to make it ahead a little (or freeze it!!) and grab a glass when I get home from work.