watermelon cucumber agua fresca
What is agua fresca?
So glad you asked!
Agua fresca, translated to “fresh water” in English, is a popular fruit drink in Mexico and Central America that’s akin to a fruit juice but far more natural and less sickeningly sweet. Endless varieties exist, but the base formula contains fresh fruit, a sweetener like honey or agave, a citrus (often lime), and water. Blended up, strained, and chilled into a light and refreshing drink to enjoy when it’s hot as balls out.
I bought two watermelons when I made my Watermelon Caprese Skewers and didn’t want that second big boi to go to waste. I don’t remember how my eyes drifted to the agua fresca concept, maybe in part because I didn’t want an alcoholic beverage this weekend – but am I glad I did!
This pitcher drink is perfect to serve for Memorial Day this weekend for people who don’t want to drink, or who want to hydrate between sips of a tasty cocktail. Four ingredients and a blender are the sole requirements, and making ahead is entirely encouraged. I whipped up a batch and sipped all week – it keeps very well in the fridge and gets even better with time, I’d argue.
Call this a celebration of summer, of cookouts, of good company. Suitable for kids, too, if you have some of them running around your gatherings.
Duke Cuke
I usually buy the mini watermelons whenever I need one for a dish, and for this particular recipe you need half to 3/4 of a melon. The unused wedges are great as a garnish, or just to chill and eat during the party. Seeded melons are fine, since everything gets pureed and the floating shit gets strained out anyway.
Cube up your melon and toss it in the blender with sliced cucumber (I used two fairly fat Persian cucumbers, but a regular is fine – just ensure you have 1 cup worth), lime juice, agave, and some water. Blend it up until smooth.
Run the juice through a sieve into a large pitcher or punch bowl. You can use a spoon to swirl the solids around and release as much liquid as possible.
Here, you can either cover and pop the pitcher in the fridge to pre-chill, or fill some glasses with ice and serve the fresca straightaway. I usually eek a watermelon wedge onto each rim, and love a pop of fresh mint, too.
Now, if you’d like to spike this shit, I think a shot of tequila, vodka, or mezcal stirred into 1/3-1/2 cup of the agua fresca is pretty dope. A couple ounces topped with a splash of prosecco, too, is lovely for a light bubbly drink to enjoy with dinner. Many options here, kids!
Tried this recipe out? Leave a rating and comment below with your thoughts, and don’t forget to come say hi on Instagram and show me what you made!
Freshen up, no alcohol required:
Grapefruit Rosemary Spritz Mocktail
Fresh Strawberry Green Tea Lemonade
watermelon cucumber agua fresca
Ingredients
- 4 cups cubed fresh watermelon
- 2-3 Persian cucumbers, sliced (about 1 cup)
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup agave syrup (or honey)
- fresh mint and watermelon wedges, to serve
Instructions
- In a blender, combine the watermelon, cucumber, lime juice, agave, and 2 cups of water. Pulse until smooth.
- Strain the solids through a fine mesh sieve into a large pitcher. Chill at least 1 hour, or serve immediately over ice. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and watermelon wedges, as desired.
