Fresh Watermelon Water

Get ready for summer in a glass. This Fresh Watermelon Water is made with- you guessed it- fresh watermelon. It makes for a refreshing fruity non-alcoholic drink. mix your ingredients in a blender, pour them into a chilled glass, and sip your worries away!

Watermelon water, also known as watermelon agua fresca is one of the easiest, most refreshing drinks you can make. It blows store-bought watermelon water away (which we swear always tastes like a Jolly Rancher candy). Like our canteloupe agua fresca it's made from real fruit, doesn't contain added sugar, and can be served chilled or frozen.

So what is watermelon water? You guessed it- it's watermelon and water. It differs from watermelon juice in that it is slightly diluted with water. No fancy equipment needed (a blender), water, ice, and a splash of lime or mint.

Agua frescas are popular in Mexico and translate to "fresh water". We mean what is better than squeezing summer into a glass? Watermelon water is healthy, refreshing, and customizable (you can even add alcohol)! So if you are ready to sip some sunshine, continue reading!

Ingredient notes

With such few ingredients, you'll be sipping away in no time!

• Watermelon Choose a ripe watermelon. You can choose seedless or with seeds (the latter will require a little more prep work). Buy local fruit in season when you can, otherwise, check out this guide for picking a ripe watermelon. If you can find yellow watermelon, this would be a fun twist.
• Water Filtered water for the best results.
• Sweetener Optional. Only add sweetener if you find your fruit is not sweet. Agave, honey, or plain granulated sugar are good options.
• Mint or lime Optional. To add additional flavor.
• Ice For serving

How to make watermelon water

All you need is a knife, blender, and a glass pitcher. You may want to strain the blended watermelon water (for a smoother consistency), but it isn't necessary. If so, then grab a strainer or fine mesh sieve.

Step 1. Wash, slice, seed, and chop the watermelon into rough chunks. Place it in a blender with water and mint (if using). Blend on high until liquified.

Step 2. (Optional). Pour the blended watermelon water over a strainer into a pitcher to remove the puply, foamy top.

Chill for a few hours before serving, or pour over a tall glass of ice, garnished with additional fresh mint or lime wedge.

Expert tip

For a fancier presentation, reserve a few watermelon slices, or prepare a skewer of balled watermelon, and place them on your drinks as garnish.

Swaps

Drink this watermelon water plain, or infuse your fruit water with flavors that make you smile.

1. Mix up your fruit Swap the watermelon for canteloupe, honeydew, or pineapple.
2. Add citrus Serve with a splash of lemon or lime.
3. Basil Switch the mint for basil.
4. Add some sparkle Omit the water when blending and mix the strained watermelon juice with plain seltzer or club soda.
5. Make it boozy Use the watermelon water as a mixer for a refreshing cocktail. Try a summer cocktail with watermelon water, vodka, and lime, or grab some white rum and make a watermelon mojito!
6. Frozen Give yourself brain freeze and blend with a lot of ice for a frozen slushy treat.

Keeping leftovers

Fresh watermelon water can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. store it in a lidded container (preferably glass). When ready to serve, give it a quick stir as some of the pulp (if left in) will separate.

Kitchen questions

What other fruits can we use besides watermelon?

Ripe melons, such as canteloupe and honeydew work best. If you can get your hands on yellow watermelon, this is another great option (and pretty color). You could also mix and match your fruit for a medley worth pouring!

Our readers can't get enough of these warm-weather favorites!

Ingredients

Makes 6

• 6 cups chopped, ripe watermelon
• 2 cups filtered water
• a few fresh mint leaves or lime wedges, optional
• sweetener such as agave, honey or sugar, optional
• ice for serving

Equipment

• blender
• strainer or fine mesh sieve
• glass pitcher

Method

1. Combine the watermelon, water, and a few mint leaves (if using) in a blender, and blend on high until well combined (you may need to do this in batches if your blender is not large enough).

2. Taste for sweetness. Feel free to add up to 2 tablespoons of sweetener, and blend a few more seconds. This step is optional and usually not needed if your fruit is ripe.

3. If you want to strain the water, pour it over a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher (this helps to remove some of the pulp and makes your water smooth and clear). Again, this step is optional.

4. Add the water to a serving pitcher and chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour, or serve it immediately over ice. Garnish with additional mint, or a wedge of lime, if desired.

Kitchen notes

Fresh watermelon water can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. store it in a lidded container (preferably glass). When ready to serve, give it a quick stir as some of the pulp (if left in) will separate.