About This Recipe
If you’ve never made watermelon agua fresca (agua fresca de sandía), you’re in for a treat. This recipe is all about keeping it simple — fresh, juicy watermelon blended with water and sugar. That’s it: no fancy syrups, no extra steps, just easy magic in a pitcher. Just the way we make it in Mexico.
The result? A lightly sweet, refreshing drink that tastes like summer in a glass. You can even add a squeeze of lime juice for a little extra brightness, perfect for having in the fridge on those hot summer days.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-fuss method – Blend, strain (if desired), chill, and done.
- Naturally refreshing – Perfect for hot afternoons, pool days, and everyday drinking.
- Budget-friendly – Just 3 ingredients, and you can make a big batch for a crowd.
- Customizable – Add lime, mint, or even rim glasses with Tajín.
Ingredient notes
- 4 cups cubed ripe watermelon (seedless if possible)
- 2 cups cold water, more to taste
- 2–3 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
- Optional: juice of ½ lime for brightness
How to Make Watermelon Agua Fresca
- Blend – Add watermelon, water, sugar, and lime juice (if using) to a blender. Blend until smooth.
- Taste & adjust – Add more sugar if needed.
- Strain (optional) – For a smoother texture, pour through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher.
- Serve – Chill in the fridge or pour over ice.
Variations & Serving Ideas
- With mint – Blend a few fresh mint leaves with the watermelon.
- With Tajín rim – Dip glasses in lime juice, then Tajín for a sweet-spicy kick.
- Sparkling twist – Replace some of the water with sparkling water right before serving.
Just a heads up: you can totally make paletas (popsicles) using agua fresca!
Home Cook to Home Cook Tips
- Keep a pitcher in the fridge during summer; it’s a lifesaver on hot days.
- Ripe watermelon = sweeter agua fresca. Look for one with a yellow spot and a deep hollow sound when tapped.
- This drink tastes best on the same day, but it can be refrigerated for up to 3 days — just stir it before serving.
Frequently asked questions
Watermelon Agua Fresca (Easy Mexican Watermelon Water)
Ingredients
- 4 cups cubed ripe watermelon seedless if possible
- 2 cups cold water
- 2 –3 tablespoons sugar adjust to taste
- Optional: juice of ½ lime
Instructions
- Blend – Add watermelon, water, sugar, and lime juice (if using) to a blender. Blend until smooth.
- Taste & adjust – Check sweetness and add more sugar if needed.
- Strain (optional) – For a smoother texture, pour through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher.
- Serve – Chill in the fridge or serve immediately over ice.
Notes
information
Nutritional information of this recipe is only an estimate, the accuracy for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Hi, I’m Ale Graf!
I’m a Mexican home cook based in Texas and the voice behind AleCooks and Piloncillo & Vainilla.
I create easy, family-friendly recipes with Mexican roots and a plant-forward mindset—always flexible and made to bring people together. I’m also the co-author of Yo Cocino Latino and love helping home cooks feel more confident in the kitchen.
Come say hi on Instagram—I’d love to hear what you’re cooking.