Fresh Watermelon Agua Fresca with Lime and Mint
A refreshing, lightly sweetened watermelon drink with bright lime and cool mint, perfect for warm days or alongside spicy meals. This mexican-inspired cinco de mayo ready in about 10 minutes pairs cubed and chilled seedless watermelon, fresh lime juice, leaves fresh mint leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 60 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 4 cups, cubed and chilled seedless watermelon
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 10 leaves fresh mint leaves
- 2 cups cold water
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- to serve ice cubes
- for garnish lime slices
- for garnish mint sprigs
Instructions
- Step 1: In a blender, combine 4 cups chilled cubed seedless watermelon, 2 cups cold water, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 10 fresh mint leaves, and 2 tbsp granulated sugar. Blend on high for 1-2 minutes until smooth and frothy.
- Step 2: Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher to remove pulp and mint bits, pressing down with a spoon to extract all liquid.
- Step 3: Chill the strained agua fresca in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Step 4: Serve over ice cubes in tall glasses, garnished with lime slices and fresh mint sprigs for a cooling effect.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Fresh Watermelon Agua Fresca with Lime and Mint take to make?
Total time is about 10 minutes (10 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Fresh Watermelon Agua Fresca with Lime and Mint?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep fresh lime juice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Fresh Watermelon Agua Fresca with Lime and Mint?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Fresh Watermelon Agua Fresca with Lime and Mint for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Fresh Watermelon Agua Fresca with Lime and Mint?
Mexican cinco de mayo like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Best agua fresca I've ever had. Simple recipe, amazing result.
- ★★★★★
My family couldn't stop drinking it. So healthy and tasty!
- ★★★★★
Easy and delicious. Will make again and again.