Watermelon Lime Agua Fresca
Watermelon lime agua fresca is the kind of drink that works best when it stays simple. Ripe watermelon carries most of the sweetness, fresh lime gives the drink its clean edge, and cold water keeps it light enough to pour over ice on a hot afternoon.
The key is to blend the fruit thoroughly, then strain only if you want a smoother pitcher. A little pulp gives the agua fresca body and a more natural fruit flavor, while a fine-mesh strainer makes it especially refreshing and easy to sip.
Taste before adding all of the sweetener because watermelons vary a lot. If the melon is very sweet, one tablespoon may be enough; if it is mild, add the rest gradually until the lime and watermelon feel balanced.
Serve the drink very cold, preferably over plenty of ice with thin lime slices or small watermelon wedges. It is best the day it is made, but a quick stir brings it back together if it settles in the refrigerator.
Nutrition (per serving)
Directions
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1
Cut the watermelon into cubes, removing any firm white rind and stray seeds.
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2
Add half of the watermelon and 1 cup of the cold water to a blender. Blend until completely smooth, about 30 seconds.
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3
Pour the blended watermelon through a fine-mesh strainer into a large pitcher if you want a smoother drink, pressing gently with a spoon. Repeat with the remaining watermelon and water.
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4
Stir the lime juice, 1 tablespoon of agave syrup or honey, and the sea salt into the pitcher.
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5
Taste the agua fresca. Add the remaining sweetener only if the drink needs more roundness, then stir until dissolved.
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6
Chill for at least 10 minutes if the watermelon was not already cold, or serve immediately over ice.
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7
Stir the pitcher before pouring, then garnish glasses with lime slices and small watermelon wedges.
Ingredients
- Seedless Watermelon, cubed:8 cups
- Cold Water:2 cups
- Fresh Lime Juice:1/3 cup
- Agave Syrup or Honey:2 tablespoons
- Fine Sea Salt:1/8 teaspoon
- Ice:as needed
- Lime Slices and Small Watermelon Wedges:as needed
Tips & Notes
- Use a very ripe, chilled watermelon for the brightest flavor and the least added sweetener.
- For a lightly sparkling version, replace 1 cup of the cold water with chilled sparkling water and add it after blending.
- If making ahead, refrigerate without ice and stir well before serving.
