Watermelon Agua Fresca: the Perfect Summer Drink

Name: Watermelon Agua Fresca
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 cups watermelon, cut into pieces; ½ cup water; ½ tablespoon raw honey; ½ tablespoon fresh lime juice; ½ cup sparkling water (mineral is best); optional garnishes: lime slices and mint leaves

July 21, 2023 by Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CN

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Are you in need of a refreshing drink to cool down with this summer? You’ve got to try this fruity, sparkling Watermelon Agua Fresca.

Agua fresca, or “fresh water,” is a popular drink in Mexico and throughout Central America. They’re made by combining water with sugar and fruits to create a sweet and tasty beverage.

My version uses cooling watermelon and honey to keep it free from refined sugars. When mixed with sparkling water, the result is a fizzy beverage you’ll want to drink all summer long.

Agua Fresca Ingredients

This classic agua fresca uses only five ingredients, and two are water: regular water and sparking water. The most natural form of sparkling water is sparkling mineral water, which not only naturally contains minerals, but also can be naturally carbonated.

Watermelon, of course, is the star ingredient of watermelon agua fresca. Watermelon benefits are greater than you’d think. One of its top benefits is its high water content. In fact, it is estimated to be composed of about 91 percent water, which can help the body to detox and get rid of excess water and fluids, relieving uncomfortable bloating and swelling.

Next is raw honey, a much better choice than sugar that’s typically deployed in agua fresca recipes. One tablespoon of honey contains 64 calories, yet it has a healthy glycemic load around 10 for one tablespoon, which is a little less than a banana. Raw honey contains 22 amino acids, 27 minerals and 5,000 enzymes.

Lastly, you’ll be adding lime juice, a perfect compliment to the flavors and also loaded with antioxidants.

Overall, these ingredients make for a delicious mocktail but relatively low calorie. One cup of watermelon is only 46 calories, and each serving of this agua fresca is only 27 calories. In addition, the sparking water helps you feel full.

How to Make Watermelon Agua Fresca

Start by blending the watermelon, raw honey and fresh lime juice in a blender until the watermelon is smooth. Mix in the sparking water before pouring.

Garnish the drink with lime slices or mint leaves before serving.

Make a big batch of this Watermelon Agua Fresca to keep in the refrigerator for hot nights or for serving at barbecues. Serve within three days after making.

Agua Fresca Tips

Ideally, you’re using ripe, sweet watermelon. If not, you may need to add a little more honey.
Try other fruits besides watermelon. Cantelope, strawberries or pineapple, for example.
Desire the drink to be more tart? Add more lime juice.
Want to turn this watermelon aqua fresca mocktail into a cocktail? You can use vodka or tequila, as both marry well. Add three-quarters of an ounce up to one-and-a-half ounces to one serving and stir.

Other Healthy Mocktails

Strawberry lemonade
Ginger shots (mix with some sparking water)
Switchel
Mango lime drink

Other Delicious Watermelon Recipes