Mexican Watermelon Water Agua De Sandia Recipe

As I blend the essence of summer into a refreshing watermelon agua fresca, I’m reminded of lazy afternoons under the sun, where each sip feels like a juicy escape into a tropical paradise.

My Mexican Agua de Sandía is the refreshing drink I reach for on hot days. It’s made with the sweetest, ripest watermelon pureed into a juice, then mixed with a splash of lime and a little water to thin it out to drinkable consistency.

I often blend just enough ice into it to make it slushy and serve it garnished with fresh mint, but you could skip the ice, if you want. This drink is supremely hydrating and healthy, as there is nothing in it but watermelon, lime, and water (or ice) and little to no calories.

Ingredients

• Watermelon: Hydrating and naturally sweet, rich in vitamins A and C.
• Lime Juice: Adds a tangy, refreshing flavor and boosts vitamin C content.
• Sugar: Optional sweetness enhancer, adjust based on watermelon ripeness.
• Mint Leaves: Optional garnish, adds a cooling aromatic touch.
• Ice Cubes: Keeps the drink chilled and refreshing, perfect for hot days.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 cups watermelon, cubed and seeds removed
• 2 cups cold water
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
• Ice cubes
• Lime slices and mint leaves for garnish (optional)

How to Make this

1. Put the cubes of watermelon into a blender.

2. Pour in the lime juice and blend until smooth.

3. Strain the puree from the watermelon through a fine mesh strainer into a large pitcher. Using a spoon, press and push the watermelon through the strainer to extract as much liquid as possible from the puree. Throw away the pulp.

4. Pour the cold water into the pitcher and stir thoroughly.

5. Flavored and sweetened to taste. If you’d like yours sweet, add sugar and stir until it dissolves.

6. Refrigerate the agua fresca for at least 1 hour before serving.

7. Add ice cubes to the pitcher or serve in individual glasses over ice before serving.

8. Before pouring the agua fresca, give it a good stir to mix everything up nicely.

9. Each glass should be garnished with a lime slice and, if using, a few mint leaves.

10. Serve immediately and take pleasure in your enlightening watermelon water.

Equipment Needed

1. Blender
2. Fine mesh strainer
3. Large pitcher
4. Measuring cups
5. Measuring spoons
6. Spoon
7. Knife (for lime slices)
8. Cutting board
9. Glasses for serving

FAQ

• Q: Can I use a different type of melon?A: You can certainly experiment with other melons, such as cantaloupe or honeydew, but the flavor will stray even further from the classic watermelon agua fresca. And remember, there’s no replacement for fresh, in-season watermelon.
• Q: How should I choose a watermelon for this recipe?A: When you are selecting a watermelon, you want to find one that is heavy for its size, has an even shape, and a yellow spot where it rested on the ground. These traits make it most likely that the watermelon is ripe.
• Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?A: Yes, it can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. The best way to serve it is chilled and freshly blended.
• Q: Is it necessary to strain the mixture?It is up to you whether to strain or not. However, straining will give you a smoother drink if that is your preference. If you want the pulp out, then strain, preferably using a fine mesh strainer.
• Q: Can I substitute the sugar with another sweetener?You can indeed use honey, agave syrup, or a substitute for sugar to sweeten it according to your taste.
• Q: How can I add a unique twist to this drink?A: For a nice variation, try a pinch of chili powder or a splash of sparkling water.
• Q: What can I do with extra watermelon?A: Watermelon can be cubed and frozen for use in future drinks or enjoyed as a zippy, cool lunchbox snack. If you’re looking for ways to use up extra watermelon, try these three.

Mexican Watermelon Water Agua De Sandia Recipe Substitutions and Variations

For watermelon, look to cantaloupe or honeydew melon for a flavor alternative with a similar base note. Cantaloupe and honeydew are denser and a bit sweeter, so for a more subdued, less sweet take, go with these substitutes in a 1:1 ratio.
For lime juice: You can use lemon juice as a stand-in for the lime flavor in these recipes.
To replace sugar with alternatives like honey or agave syrup, adjust the amount used as needed, to taste, so that the sweetness level matches what you are used to.
Instead of mint leaves, try using basil leaves if you want an entirely different herbal note.

Pro Tips

1. Chill Your Ingredients Before starting, chill the watermelon and water in the refrigerator. Using cold ingredients will help the flavors meld better and make the agua fresca more refreshing, especially if you’re serving it immediately.

2. Adjust Sweetness Instead of standard white sugar, consider using honey or agave syrup for a natural sweetness. Start with a small amount and adjust to your desired level of sweetness.

3. Add a Herbal Twist Infuse the drink with a subtle herbal flavor by blending a handful of fresh mint leaves with the watermelon. Strain as usual to remove the solids, leaving behind a refreshing hint of mint.

4. Experiment with Citrus For a unique flavor twist, add a splash of orange or grapefruit juice alongside the lime juice. This will add depth and a slight tanginess to the agua fresca.

5. Make It Fizzy For a fun and bubbly variant, replace some or all of the cold water with sparkling water or club soda just before serving. This adds a delightful fizz to the drink.