Watermelon Agua Fresca: How to Make the Perfect Summer Drink
Are you in need of a refreshing drink to cool down with this summer? You have to try this fruity, sparkling Watermelon Agua Fresca.
Agua fresca, or “fresh water,” is a popular drink in Mexico and throughout Central America. It’s made by combining water with sugar and fruits to create a sweet and tasty beverage.
This 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
Water
This classic agua fresca uses only five ingredients, and two are water: regular water and sparkling 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
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 to 92 percent water, which can help the body to detox and get rid of excess water and fluids, relieving uncomfortable bloating and swelling.
Honey
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 approximately 22 amino acids, 27 minerals and 5,000 enzymes.
Lime juice
Lastly, you’ll add lime juice, a perfect compliment to the flavors and also loaded with antioxidants.
Overall, these ingredients make for a delicious mocktail that is 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 sparkling 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 sparkling 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, use ripe, sweet watermelon. If not, you may need to add a little more honey.
- Try other fruits besides watermelon. Cantaloupe, strawberries or pineapple, for example, are great options.
- 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 3/4 of an ounce up to 1.5 ounces to one serving and stir.
Other healthy mocktails
- Strawberry lemonade
- Ginger shots (mix with some sparkling water)
- Switchel
- Mango lime drink
Other delicious watermelon recipes
- Watermelon salad
- Watermelon feta salad
- Mint watermelon salad
- Watermelon pizza
- Hydrating watermelon smoothie
Watermelon Agua Fresca
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Agua fresca, or “fresh water,” is a popular drink in Mexico and throughout Central America. Usually it’s a combo of sugar and fruits. Here we go healthier … but just as delicious!
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
Instructions
- Blend watermelon, water, honey and lime juice in a blender.
- Stir in sparkling water just prior to serving.
- Garnish with lime slices and mint leaves if desired.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Category: Beverages
- Method: Blender
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 108g
- Calories: 27
- Sugar: 5.8g
- Sodium: 3mg
- Fat: 0.1g
- Saturated Fat: 0.01g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6.9g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Popular Recipes
