While I know how important hydration is, especially in the summer, I find myself getting bored with plain water. So, I’ve started to change things up using fruits and vegetables to add a refreshing twist. This watermelon cucumber agua fresca is both hydrating and delicious!
With only 5 ingredients needed and less than 15 minutes required to throw it together, you’ll love this cucumber watermelon agua fresca! I like to make a pitcher for the fridge and then enjoy it anytime I need a refreshing sip.
Not only is it easy to make, but this hydrating beverage is good for you too! Watermelon has a number of great health benefits. It’s incredibly hydrating, low in calories, high in good vitamins, and can even promote digestive health!
Cucumber is also perfect for hydration and boasts antioxidants as well. It’s a cooling and refreshing drink that’s ideal for hot weather, helping you to stay hydrated and feeling great!
What Is Agua Fresca
Agua fresca is a non-alcoholic beverage traditionally consisting of water and a small amount of sugar, plus fruits, vegetables, seeds, or flowers. It’s quite popular in Mexico and Latin America in particular.
It’s similar in concept to a fruit infused water. However, instead of soaking slices of fruit in water, agua fresca is typically blended, and then strained if desired.
The name comes from ‘cool waters’ and is symbolic of the refreshing taste you can expect from the drink.
Ingredients List
6 cups cubed fresh watermelon
1 English cucumber, peeled and cut into chunks
1 lemon, juiced
2 Tbsp agave nectar
4 cups cold water
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
I highly recommend seedless watermelon, but you can always strain your mixture to remove seeds if needed. Use a juicy, ripe melon for best results
You can use Persian or other small cucumbers in place of the English cucumber, but opt for a variety with limited seeds (or remove the seeds)
The lemon juice may be swapped for lime juice instead to add a bit of tartness
Agave nectar may be substituted by honey or granulated sugar if preferred
While garnishes are optional, a slice of watermelon, sprig of fresh mint, or a Tajin rim on the glass make for a nice touch
Flavor Variations
Here are some other flavor variations besides watermelon cucumber agua fresca to try:
Honeydew
Pineapple
Cantelope
Strawberry
Guava
Papaya
Grape
Mango
Passionfruit
Peach
Prickly pear
Soursop
Kiwi
Lemon
Lime
Tamarind
Quince
Hibiscus
Chia
Pumpkin seeds
Try to avoid fruits with large seeds, such as blackberries, or high pectin fruits that get pasty when blended (like apples) for best results. Of course, you can always strain out the seeds if needed!
You can enjoy any of these flavors of agua fresca on their own, or combined to make a refreshing fruity drink. I enjoy pineapple and strawberry together too!
How to Make Watermelon Cucumber Agua Fresca
Combine watermelon, cucumber, lemon juice, agave, and water in a blender
Blend on high until mixture is completely smooth
Drain through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a pitcher
For best results, store in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to blend the flavors, or serve over ice immediately, with a garnish of fresh mint or a Tajin rim if desired
What to Serve With Agua Fresca
Carne asada
Grilled fish
Burgers
Barbecue
Tacos
Quesadillas
Burritos
Nachos
Fajitas
Street corn
Fruit salad
There are lots of great dishes to serve with agua fresca. It’s a refreshing summer beverage that fits in for Cinco de Mayo, your Memorial Day barbecue, or any time you need a flavorful, hydrating drink.
The origin of agua fresca is believed to be as far back as the pre-Columbian era, or prior to 1492. Evidence suggests that the Aztecs and possibly other civilizations created a similar drink.
What is now modern day Mexico would have been a central hub for trading for the ingredients, but it is not known the specific location where it was invented.
How Long Can I Store Agua Fresca?
You can store agua fresca in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. After this time, the fruit will begin to go bad.
Make sure to use a pitcher or carafe with a lid for best results.
Can I Use Different Fruits in Agua Fresca?
Yes, you can absolutely use different fruits in agua fresca. Those that are high in water content and sweetness are the best options, like melons, large berries, or pineapple.
Avoid fruits with large seeds unless you want to strain them out. Additionally, high pectin fruits like apples or blueberries can give a weird consistency and are best avoided as well.
Is Agua Fresca a Good Option For Kids?
Yes, agua fresca is a great option for kids. It contains less sugar than most fruit juices, and is very hydrating.
It’s also a drink that goes well at a barbecue, so kids have their own fun and healthier drink option over sodas that isn’t an adult beverage.
Are There Any Variations For a Low-Sugar Version?
For a low sugar version of agua fresca, you can omit the additional sweeteners like honey, agave, sugar, or maple syrup. However, the fruit used in the recipe will still contain natural sugars in it.
The best choices for lower sugar fruits that work well in agua fresca would be strawberries, lemons, limes, or kiwi fruit.
Can Agua Fresca Be Made Ahead of Time?
Yes, agua fresca can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Allowing it to sit for at least an hour actually benefits the drink, giving flavors time to meld.
Agua fresca only keeps for about 3 days, though, so try not to make it more than 24 hours in advance for best results.
What are the Health Benefits of Watermelon Agua Fresca?
The health benefits of watermelon agua fresca are hydration and the quantity of vitamins A and C, as well as magnesium and potassium.
Watermelon is commonly associated with heart health, decreased inflammation, and some of its natural ingredients may help with cancer prevention. Make sure to consult a physician, though, before adding watermelon to your existing health routine.
Recipe Pro Tips
If your blender isn’t large enough to accommodate everything at once, you can blend everything but the water first. Strain, and then add the fruit juice mixture to the water and stir before storing
Straining is technically optional, but it helps catch any seeds, fruit chunks, or anything else that’s difficult to drink. If you don’t have a strainer, you can skip this step and it will still taste great!
Storage Tips
Store leftover agua fresca in a pitcher or carafe in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Even though it is kept cold, it is still best served over ice
This refreshing watermelon cucumber agua fresca is the perfect drink for summer! It’s low fat yet flavorful, and perfectly made to help you stay hydrated.
It pairs with a variety of different foods, from your classic backyard barbecue fare to a variety of Mexican and Latin American dishes. Plus, you can make lots of flavor variations to coordinate with what’s in season!
Agua fresca is a great option to incorporate into your hydration routine, much like you would a fruit-infused water. With the added benefits of plenty of vitamins, it’s a drink I always feel good about. It’s kid and adult friendly as well, so feel free to make a whole pitcher!
Another option to make for your children is a pitcher of this Galaxy Color Changing Lemonade. Watch the purple ice cubes turn the drink pink!
Refreshing Watermelon Cucumber Agua Fresca
This refreshing watermelon cucumber agua fresca is fresh, hydrating, and great for summer! It’s easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and a perfect cooling drink for hot weather!
1English cucumber(peeled, seeded, and cut into chunks)
1Lemon(juiced)
2Tbspagave nectar
4Cupscold water
Instructions
Combine watermelon, cucumber, lemon juice, agave, and water in a blender
6 Cups cubed fresh watermelon, 1 English cucumber, 1 Lemon, 2 Tbsp agave nectar, 4 Cups cold water
Blend on high or puree until mixture is completely smooth
Drain through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a pitcher
For best results, store in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to blend the flavors, or serve over ice immediately, with a garnish of fresh mint or a Tajin rim if desired
Notes
I highly recommend seedless watermelon, but you can always strain your mixture to remove seeds if needed. Use a juicy, ripe melon for best results
You can use Persian or other small cucumbers in place of the English cucumber, but opt for a variety with limited seeds (or remove the seeds)
The lemon juice may be swapped for lime juice instead to add a bit of tartness
Agave nectar may be substituted by honey or granulated sugar if preferred
While garnishes are optional, a slice of watermelon, sprig of fresh mint, or a Tajin rim on the glass make for a nice touch
If your blender isn’t large enough to accommodate everything at once, you can blend everything but the water first. Strain, and then add the fruit juice mixture to the water and stir before storing
Straining is technically optional, but it helps catch any seeds, fruit chunks, or anything else that’s difficult to drink. If you don’t have a strainer, you can skip this step and it will still taste great!
Store leftover agua fresca in a pitcher or carafe in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Even though it is kept cold, it is still best served over ice
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any swaps or additions, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
