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    Home » Recipes » Mexican Agua Frescas

    Watermelon Agua Fresca 🍉 + VIDEO

    Published: Jul 23, 2019 · Updated: May 6, 2023 by Maggie Unzueta

    Watermelon Agua Fresca (Agua de Sandia) is a yummy and refreshing fruit drink. A cool and light beverage that goes great with just about any Mexican food.
    Jump to Recipe
    Watermelon agua fresca glasses next to watermelon slices and black and white straws.
    Watermelon Agua Fresca glasses with straws.

    Two glasses of Watermelon Agua Fresca with black and white straws.

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

    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

    • 1 Ingredients
    • 2 INSTRUCTIONS
    • 3 How to choose a ripe watermelon?
    • 4 How long does Agua Fresca Last?
    • 5 Freezing Instructions
    • 6 More Mexican Agua Frescas: 
      • 6.1 Hungry for More?
    • 7 Watermelon Agua Fresca
      • 7.1 Ingredients
      • 7.2 Instructions
      • 7.3 Video
      • 7.4 Notes
      • 7.5 Nutrition

    Ingredients
    Ingredients for watermelon agua fresca on a wooden surface.

    • 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


    Diced watermelon in a bowl next to two watermelon slices.

    • 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.

    A collage of four pictures showing the process of how to blend and strain the watermelon mixture.

    1. Add the watermelon to a blender.
    2. The blended watermelon mixture will be thick.
    3. Strain the mixture through a mesh sleeve into a bowl.
    4. 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.

    A container of liquid Stevia and a measuring cup containing sugar.

    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!

    Watermelon agua fresca glasses next to watermelon slices and black and white straws.

    More Mexican Agua Frescas: 

    • ​Agua de Melon ​
    • Agua de Platano
    • Agua de Tamarindo
    • Agua de Piña 

    🍉 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. 

    Hungry for More?

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

    Did you make this recipe? Please rate the recipe below!

    Two glasses of Watermelon Agua Fresca with black and white straws.

    Watermelon Agua Fresca

    Watermelon Agua Fresca (Agua de Sandia) is a yummy and refreshing fruit drink. A cool and light beverage that goes great with just about any Mexican food.
    5 from 33 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Drinks
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 46kcal
    Author: Maggie Unzueta

    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!

    Video

    Notes

    To make the agua fresca diabetic friendly, use 1 teaspoon Stevia for 1 tablespoon sugar. 
    Sometimes, the fruit is overly sweet. Start by adding 1 tablespoon of sugar to the agua fresca. Taste and add more if needed. 
    If the agua fresca is too sweet, add water to adjust. 
    Watermelon Agua Fresca lasts up to 3 days in the fridge and can last up to 1 year in the freezer.
     
     
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 46kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 113mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 577IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @MamaMaggiesKitchen or tag #MamaMaggiesKitchen!

    More Mexican 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 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.

    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Leslie

      April 03, 2020 at 9:07 pm

      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!!!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        April 26, 2020 at 3:09 pm

        I usually don’t add sugar either. Delicious just as is!

        Reply
    2. Natalie

      July 29, 2019 at 6:04 am

      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.

      Reply
    3. Jagruti Dhanecha

      July 28, 2019 at 11:52 pm

      5 stars
      Recently we had a heatwave and I ONLY survived eating watermelon., I should’ve made watemelon aqua-fresca!

      Reply
    4. Amanda Mason

      July 28, 2019 at 8:10 pm

      5 stars
      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!!

      Reply
    5. Sara

      July 28, 2019 at 8:10 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
    6. Leanne @ Crumb Top Baking

      July 28, 2019 at 8:07 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
    7. Monica

      July 28, 2019 at 4:01 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
    8. Anna

      July 28, 2019 at 9:09 am

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
    9. Danielle

      July 26, 2019 at 1:14 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
    10. Liz Shaw

      July 25, 2019 at 8:19 pm

      This looks so refreshing! So easy to make, don’t know why I haven’t done it already. Going out now to get watermelon.

      Reply
    11. Anne Lawton

      July 25, 2019 at 12:40 pm

      5 stars
      Watermelon is so refreshing, and this looks like the perfect beverage to sip on a hot day!

      Reply
    12. Jacquelyn Hastert

      July 24, 2019 at 7:56 am

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
    13. Kylee

      July 24, 2019 at 7:40 am

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply

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