Watermelon Water with lime, also known as agua fresca, is a refreshing beverage on a hot day. Fresh watermelon, tangy lime, sugar, fragrant mint and still or sparkling water combine to make a delicious watermelon drink.
Enjoy your homemade watermelon water as a delicious way to stay hydrated and refreshed all summer long!
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Watermelon Water with Lime
Nothing beats the fresh flavor of juicy watermelon water on a hot summer day!
This thirst-quenching sweet beverage is made with simple ingredients and is an ideal way to stay hydrated while enjoying the light, fruity, natural flavors of summer.
With just a few ingredients, you can create a delicious drink that’s both refreshing and nourishing.
Enjoy a fruity taste of summer on a hot day while you sip on mexican watermelon water, also known as watermelon agua fresca.
And if you love aguas frescas as much as I do, be sure to give my strawberry agua fresca recipe a try too!
For happy hour turn this recipe into a watermelon cocktail with vodka by adding a shot of vodka to each serving.
Elevate your happy hour with more of my refreshing mocktails and cocktails.
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How to make homemade watermelon agua fresca
This is a quick overview of how to make this recipe. Scroll down for the full recipe instructions and ingredient amounts in the recipe card below
- Step 1: Place chopped watermelon in a blender
- Step 2: Add sugar and lime juice and puree until blended
- Step 3: Pour watermelon mixture into glasses and top off with sparkling water
- Step 4: Garnish your glasses with fresh mint sprigs and watermelon slices
Hint: If you are using still water you can add it to the blender with the other ingredients and puree. If you decide to use sparkling water then pour the watermelon mixture into glasses and top off each glass with the sparkling water. If you add the sparkling water to the blender it will lose its fizz.
Expert recipe tips
- Use ripe watermelon - A sweet, juicy watermelon will give you the best flavor. Select a watermelon that feels heavy for its size and has a yellow spot where it rested on the ground.
- Chill your ingredients - Using cold watermelon, lime, and sparkling water makes for an extra-refreshing cold drink without adding ice.
- Blend well and strain – If you prefer a smoother texture, strain the blended watermelon through a fine mesh sieve to remove excess pulp. However, that pulp is full of flavor so give it a try before straining!
- Seedless Watermelon – If your blender is powerful seeds won’t matter but a seedless watermelon will guarantee that your watermelon agua fresca has a nice texture.
- Garnishes – Garnish your watermelon juice with a sprig of mint, slice of lime or lime wedge
- Adjust the sugar – The amount of added sugar will depend on the sweetness and ripeness of your watermelon. So your watermelon is really sweet, you may want to add less sugar than the recipe calls for. If the watermelon isn’t the sweetest, you may want to add extra sugar.
- Added Watermelon Flavor and Texture - If you want a stronger watermelon flavor, add an extra cup or two of watermelon, without changing the other ingredient amounts. This will give you a stronger fruit flavor and a thicker consistency.
Substitutions
- Lime - If you don’t have lime, fresh lemon juice will add a similar bright citrus flavor.
- Mint - For a slightly different herbal note, swap mint for fresh basil.
- Sparkling water – I love the added bubbles of a sparkling water but if you prefer a milder taste, replace the sparkling water with regular filtered cold water.
- Granulated sugar – Replace granulated sugar with honey, agave syrup, or simple syrup.
Variations
- Honey Sweetened Watermelon Water - If your watermelon isn’t sweet enough, add a drizzle of honey too!
- Spicy Watermelon Water - Add a pinch of cayenne or a few slices of jalapeño for a spicy kick.
- Tajin and Watermelon - Rim the glasses with chili lime seasoning for flavor and color. Watermelon and Tajin seasoning is a delicious combination of flavors.
- Coconut Watermelon Water - Replace the sparkling water with coconut water for an extra boost of electrolytes and flavor.
- Strawberry Watermelon Water – Add a cup of fresh strawberries to your blender when pureeing the watermelon.
- Mint Watermelon Water – Add some fresh mint leaves in the blender with the watermelon and lime juice and blend them together for a fresh mint flavor.
- Raspberry Watermelon Agua Fresca – Add a cup of fresh raspberries to the blender for an extra fruity drink.
- Watermelon Cocktail - You can easily transform this non-alcoholic drink into a happy hour option with a shot of vodka or tequila.
Equipment
- Blender
- Chef Knife
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Cutting Board
Storage
- Refrigeration - Store your watermelon water in an airtight container or pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. There may be some separation so be sure to stir it before serving.
- Freezing - Pour into ice cube trays and freeze into watermelon ice cubes. Use the cubes to chill future drinks without diluting the flavor.
Watermelon FAQs
Yes, watermelon is about 92% water, making it an excellent way to stay hydrated, especially in hot weather.
Look for a watermelon that feels heavy for its size, has a deep, hollow sound when tapped, and has a large yellow spot, known as the field spot, where it rested on the ground while ripening.
Sure, frozen watermelon will work well in this recipe and will keep the drink chilled without adding any ice.
Watermelon contains natural sugars but is lower in sugar compared to many other fruits. The high water content of this fruit helps balance the sweetness, making it a great low-calorie option.
Watermelon is rich in vitamins A and C, contains antioxidants such as lycopene, and provides amino acids that support heart health, skin hydration, and muscle recovery.
Yes, you can make this fruit water ahead but for the freshest taste, it’s recommended that you drink it within 24-48 hours when stored in the refrigerator. You may have to stir it or shake it up if it has separated while standing.
Ingredients
Ingredients for watermelon agua fresca recipe
- Watermelon – Watermelon, the main ingredient, is naturally sweet and hydrating and packed with vitamins like A and C.
- Lime – Lime juice adds a zesty, citrusy brightness that complements the flavor of the watermelon.
- Sugar – Adds sweetness to the fresh fruit flavor
- Sparkling Water or Still Water – Sparkling water brings a light fizz and enhances the overall taste without overpowering the natural fruit flavors. Still water will also work well in this recipe.
- Mint – This herbal garnish adds a fresh, cooling touch as an optional garnish that makes the drink even more refreshing.
Summer Cocktail Recipes
Summer Drinks Without Alcohol
Watermelon Water
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Ingredients
- 4 cups watermelon
- 3 Tablespoons Lime juice
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 Cup sparkling water or still water
- Mint sprigs for garnish
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Instructions
- In a blender combine the watermelon, sugar and lime juice. If using still water you can put it in the blender at this point.
- Puree until blended.
- Pour into serving glasses. If using sparkling water, add it to each glass at this point.
- Garnish with fresh mint sprigs and watermelon slices.
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