During the sultry afternoons of summer, nothing is more appreciated than a cool and refreshing drink, like this lavender lemonade. Agua fresca is another one of those perfect summer drinks.
Sometimes it seems like there are artificially colored, high-fructose corn syrup laden beverages everywhere we go in the summer. It’s nice to have a few recipes for drinks that I can pack for lunches when we’re out, or to bring with us to gatherings, that I’m okay with the kids drinking and can be enjoyed by everyone.
Cool and Refreshing Watermelon Agua Fresca
Agua fresca is a Spanish term that, literally translated, means “fresh waters.” Unlike infused waters which just use a few slices of fruit and herbs to flavor a glass of water, agua fresca is made by actually blending and straining the fruits and herbs.
Pureed fruit is mixed together with lime juice, herbs, sometimes water (if the fruit is not a watery one like melons), and a little sugar or honey. The mixture is strained to remove the pulp and served over ice.
This agua fresca is made with watermelon, cantaloupe, and a little mint for additional coolness. You will not need a whole watermelon or cantaloupe for this recipe. Depending on the size of the melons, you will probably need about half of a medium-sized watermelon and less than half of a cantaloupe. It’s ideal for using up leftover fruit from a fruit tray or just the rest of a melon if your family can’t quite eat a whole one.
Just toss chunks of watermelon and cantaloupe in the blender with some mint leaves and a little honey if you like more sweetness. Blend until liquefied and then strain into a pitcher in batches through a mesh strainer. Add a squeeze of lime juice for a little brightness and you’re done!
Despite straining, this agua fresca will still separate into layers if left sitting too long. Don’t worry; a quick stir with a spoon fixes that issue easily.
If you’re feeling creative or daring, try coming up with your own combination of fruits to make a new agua fresca! Maybe stir in some water kefir for probiotics? I might try a version of this cucumber lime mint agua fresca sometime.
Watermelon Agua Fresca Recipe
Equipment
- vegetable peeler
- sharp knife
- stirring spoon
Ingredients
- 8 cups watermelon (diced)
- 3 cups cantaloupe (diced)
- 20 fresh mint leaves
- ½ tbsp maple syrup (optional – or sub raw honey)
- ¼ cup lime juice
Instructions
- Peel and dice the watermelon and cantaloupe.
- In a blender, combine the diced watermelon and cantaloupe, mint leaves, and maple syrup or honey if using.
- Blend until smooth. You may need to do this in batches.
- Strain the liquid through a mesh strainer into a pitcher, discarding the pulp.
- Stir in the lime juice.
- Serve over ice and keep leftover chilled in the refrigerator.
Notes
Nutrition
Ever made agua fresca before? What’s your favorite blend? Share below!
