Fresh Watermelon Agua Fresca with Lime and Mint

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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 brings together cubed and chilled seedless watermelon, fresh lime juice, leaves fresh mint leaves for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 60 calories and feeds 4, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 60 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Step 3: Chill the strained agua fresca in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
  4. Step 4: Serve over ice cubes in tall glasses, garnished with lime slices and fresh mint sprigs for a cooling effect.

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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 bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

How do I store leftover Fresh Watermelon Agua Fresca with Lime and Mint?

Refrigerate any leftover fresh watermelon agua fresca with lime and mint in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.

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.

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