Watermelon Agua Fresca Recipe with a Little Kick

Watermelon Agua Fresca is a fast, easy and healthy summer drink. Fill your blender with watermelon and hit the button. That's it. You can add a touch of sugar and a bit of lime juice and jalapeno for that "kick" or, serve it plain and it will be just as delicious.

Agua Frescas are a truly Authentic Mexican Recipe. You will find them in large jars at your local Latin Food Market made out of many different types of fruit.

What is an Agua Fresca?

Agua Frescas or "fresh waters" are popular drinks in Mexico and you can find them all over the Southwest in the summer. They are light and refreshing—not too much sugar, not too much fruit—just the essence of papaya, mango, pineapple and, the favorite summertime fruit, watermelon.

I dare you to find one thing more refreshing than ice-cold watermelon on a hot summer day. . . except maybe cold liquid watermelon in a glass with a little lime juice and zest to add tang.

Ingredients for Watermelon Agua Fresca

It only takes a few ingredients to make an agua fresca. In fact, if your fruit is juicy and ripe, you may only need the fruit.

• Watermelon- one ripe watermelon. A seedless watermelon makes things easier but, it is not necessary. If your watermelon is sweet and juicy, this may be the only ingredient you nee.
• Lime Juice- Fresh lime juice is a great way to bring out that watermelon flavor. The tartness of the lime enhances the sweet flavor of the melon.
• Sugar- taste your watermelon puree, if it is not quite sweet enough, add a tablespoon of sugar or your favorite sweetener a little at a time.
• Water- this is not always needed with watermelons because they are so juicy. Add a little bit for a smooth consistency much like orange juice with pulp.
• Garnishes- If you'd like, garnish your agua fresca with small slices of watermelon, a little jalapeno or sugar around the rim of your glass.
• Jalapeno- This is completely optional of course. But, if you are feeling adventurous, add half of a jalapeno.

Where does the "kick come from? The jalapeno, of coarse! Remove the stem and seeds from a jalapeno and toss half of it into the blender. If you are feeling a little dangerous, throw in the whole thing! It adds just a touch of heat to such a large blender full of agua fresca.

This Watermelon Agua Fresca recipe can be the base of other mocktail drinks or cocktails like Watermelon Mojito or even this Watermelon Margaritas recipe.

There's no "recipe," really ~ just watermelon, lime juice and a little jalepeno in a blender. Since watermelon is  already 90 per cent water, you don't even need to add H2O.

How to Make Watermelon Agua Fresca

It's so easy! All you do is fill up your blender with cold chunks of the red iconic summer fruit, add a little lime juice.

Can you use lime zest? Yes, sure, throw in some zest for tang if you would like. I prefer not to. and you are just one blender button away from one of the most refreshing sips you will ever take.

If you'd like a smooth texture, you can strain the pulp out by pouring through a sieve, but I myself like the rustic feel.

Are Watermelons Healthy for You?

Yes! I used to think that there was nothing but sugar to watermelon. But, turns out, it is an uber-healthy fruit, full of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant (watermelon has MORE antioxidants than even tomatoes), and so this fab fruit refreshes your immune system as well as your taste buds. So, in the summer, forget apples: a watermelon slice a day keeps the doctor away!

How To Pick a Ripe Watermelon

Picking a ripe watermelon is actually pretty easy. Look for a watermelon that is heavy for it's size. Then, look for a large, yellowish spot on one side. The spot indicates that the melon was allowed to ripen in the field is ripe.

Other Watermelon Recipes You Will Love

• Bacon! You'll love this Watermelon and Bacon Salad from our Hawaiian vacation.
• Watermelon Gazpacho is a chilled soup that is perfect for hot weather!
• Shrimp Ceviche in Watermelon Cups is a fun way to serve classic ceviche.

Other Watermelon Recipes to try-

For a spicy version check out Healthy Green Kitchen's Jalapeno Watermelon Limeade.

Watermelon Slushies at Kahakai Kitchen look fabulous!

Jungle Frog is in watermelon salad mode.

Watermelon Margaritas look delish by We Are Not Martha.

Originally posted on July 22, 2011 and updated on August 6, 2025

Yield: 6

Watermelon Aqua Fresca

Print

Watermelon Agua Fresca is an easy, fresh and delicious drink all year round. It's made with juicy watermelon, a bit of sugar, and cold water, this beverage will quickly become a favorite. Top with a wedge of watermelon and a mint leaf for that extra special touch.

Tip: Add a fresh mint leaf or a little bit of diced jalapeño and muddle the drink for a fresh touch.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 cups seedless watermelon, chopped into chunks (no rind)
• 2 to 4 Tablespoons fresh lime juice (to taste)
• 1- 2 cups water (only if needed for desired thickness)
• ¼ to ½ cups sugar or sweetener (add slowly, to taste)
• Garnishes
• Small Watermelon Wedges (optional garnish)
• Mint Sprigs (optional garnish)

Instructions

1. Place the watermelon chunks in a blender and blend for 1 minute until it is a smooth puree.
2. Check the watermelon puree for texture. It should be the texture of a beverage. Somewhat like an orange juice with pulp. If you do not like pulp, you may strain it out with a fine strainer.
3. Add lime juice.
4. Add some of the water for desired thickness.
5. Next, the watermelon puree for sweetness. Add sugar to taste. If the watermelon is sweet enough, you may not need any of the sugar. Blend the watermelon mixture to blend in the sugar.
6. Use a large spoon to lightly skim the top of the watermelon aqua fresca in the blender to remove any unsightly foam. 
7. Pour into a pitcher. Chill the Agua Fresca.
8. Pour into glasses and garnish with a small wedge of watermelon and a mint sprig, if desired.

Notes

Add ins for flavor. If you would like to add an aditional flavor