Watermelon Agua Fresca
Watermelon Agua Fresca is a quintessential summer drink, celebrated for its vibrant color and hydrating qualities. It consists of fresh watermelon blended with water, a squeeze of lime juice for brightness, and an optional sweetener like agave or sugar. The mixture is strained for a smooth texture, resulting in a light, sweet, and revitalizing drink perfect for hot days.
Preparation
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
This drink is a non-alcoholic mocktail, perfect for those seeking a refreshing beverage without alcohol. It falls into the category of 'aguas frescas,' a popular type of light, non-alcoholic drink in Mexico and Latin America.
Serving
Served cold in a tall Highball or Collins glass over ice, this is a non-alcoholic beverage. Its generous serving size makes it a perfect thirst-quencher.
Serving size
About 250-300 ml / 8-10 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball or Collins glass
Glass treatment
None
Backstory
Aguas frescas, meaning "fresh waters," have been a staple in Mexico for centuries, dating back to the Aztecs who would mash fruits and mix them with water. They are traditionally sold by street vendors from large glass jars called 'vitroleros'. The watermelon version, 'Agua Fresca de Sandía', is one of the most popular and beloved flavors.
Origin
Mexico, with roots in the Aztec era. Modern versions are popular throughout Latin America and the United States.
Watermelon Agua Fresca
The drink is originally known as 'Agua Fresca de Sandía' in Spanish, which translates to 'fresh watermelon water'. It is also commonly called a Watermelon Cooler or Watermelon Refresher due to its hydrating and cooling properties.
Original name
Agua Fresca de Sandía
Alternative names
- Watermelon Cooler
- Watermelon Refresher
Characteristics overview
This drink boasts the fresh, sweet flavor of watermelon with a tangy lime finish and a light, smooth texture. Its vibrant pink appearance and refreshing character make it the quintessential summer beverage.
Flavor
Watermelon, fresh, sweet, tangy, fruity
Aroma
Fresh watermelon, zesty lime
Taste balance
Sweet, sour
Aftertaste
Clean, refreshing, short
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Vibrant pink or light red, slightly cloudy
Texture
Smooth, watery, light
Seasonality
Highly refreshing, summery
Flavor intensity & Experience
The flavor profile is dominated by a high level of fruitiness and moderate sweetness, balanced by a hint of sourness. It is completely non-alcoholic, non-spicy, and has no carbonation.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
The primary ingredient for this drink is fresh, ripe watermelon, blended with cold water, fresh lime juice, and an optional sweetener like agave nectar. A few mint leaves can also be added for extra freshness.
- Seedless Watermelon4 cups (about 600g), cubedUse ripe, sweet watermelon for the best flavor.
- Cold Water1 cup / 240 ml / 8 ozCan be adjusted based on desired consistency.
- Fresh Lime Juice2 tablespoons / 30 ml / 1 ozFreshly squeezed is highly recommended.
- Agave Nectar1-2 tablespoons / 15-30 ml / 0.5-1 oz(optional)Optional, adjust to taste. Sugar or honey (not vegan) can be substituted.
- Fresh Mint LeavesA few leaves(optional)For blending, adds a fresh, cool note.
Ice type
- Cubed
Mixing equipments
You will need a blender to puree the ingredients and a fine-mesh sieve to strain the mixture. This ensures a smooth, pulp-free final drink.
- Blender - for pureeing the watermelon and other ingredients.
- Fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth - for straining the blended mixture to remove pulp.
Instructions
To make this drink, simply blend watermelon, water, lime juice, and sweetener until smooth. Strain the mixture to remove pulp, chill, and then serve over ice with your chosen garnish.
1. Combine the watermelon, cold water, fresh lime juice, and optional sweetener in a blender.
2. Blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth.
3. Place a fine-mesh sieve over a large pitcher or bowl and pour the blended watermelon mixture through it.
4. Use a spoon to gently press the pulp to extract all the liquid, then discard the pulp.
5. Taste the agua fresca and adjust sweetness if needed. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
6. Fill serving glasses with ice cubes.
7. Pour the chilled Watermelon Agua Fresca into the glasses.
8. Garnish with a small watermelon wedge and a sprig of fresh mint before serving.
Garnishing
Garnish the drink with a small wedge of watermelon on the rim of the glass and a fresh sprig of mint. A lime wheel can also be added for extra visual appeal.
- Small watermelon wedge - place on the rim of the glass.
- Fresh mint sprig - place in the drink.
- Lime wheel - place on the rim or float in the drink.
Dietary Information
This beverage is naturally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, soy, nuts, and gluten. It is also caffeine-free, vegan, and vegetarian, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary needs.
✕ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
This is a relatively low-calorie beverage, with about 70-90 kcal per serving. Most of its calories come from carbohydrates and natural sugars found in the watermelon.
Calories
Averagely 70-90 kcal / 293-377 kJ per serving
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 18-22g per serving
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 15-20g per serving (mostly from fruit)
Sugar level
Occasions
This drink is ideal for warm-weather gatherings like summer parties, barbecues, and picnics. It also serves as a delicious and healthy option for everyday hydration.
- Summer Parties
- Barbecues
- Picnics
- Everyday Hydration
Pairing suggestions
Its sweet and refreshing profile beautifully contrasts with spicy dishes such as Mexican or Thai food. It also pairs wonderfully with light summer fare like grilled meats, salads, and salty snacks.
- Spicy foods like tacos or curries
- Grilled chicken or fish
- Light salads and summer appetizers
- Salty snacks like tortilla chips and guacamole
Watermelon Agua Fresca: The Ultimate Summer Refresher
Watermelon Agua Fresca, or 'Agua Fresca de Sandía', is a traditional Mexican beverage perfect for quenching thirst on a hot day. It is incredibly easy to make by blending fresh watermelon with water, lime juice, and a touch of sweetener. The result is a vibrant, hydrating, and deliciously fruity non-alcoholic drink that is loved by all ages. It's the ultimate taste of summer in a glass.
Alcoholic variations
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