Watermelon or Cantaloupe Agua Fresca

By Martha Rose Shulman

Watermelon or Cantaloupe Agua Fresca
Andrew Scrivani for The New York Times
Total Time
1 hour
Rating
4(377)
Comments
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Agua fresca is a light fruit drink popular throughout Mexico. It’s simply made by blending fruit with water, a bit of sugar and a little lime juice. Begin with sweet, juicy melon, or your agua fresca won’t have much flavor.

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Ingredients

Yield:Four servings
  • 4cups diced, peeled ripe watermelon or cantaloupe
  • 3cups water
  • 2 to 3teaspoons fresh lime juice
  • 1tablespoon sugar
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)

58 calories; 0 grams fat; 0 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 0 grams monounsaturated fat; 0 grams polyunsaturated fat; 15 grams carbohydrates; 1 gram dietary fiber; 13 grams sugars; 1 gram protein; 9 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Blend together the watermelon or cantaloupe with 1½ cups of the water, the lime juice and the sugar at high speed until smooth. Strain through a medium strainer into a large pitcher or bowl. Stir in the remaining water. Refrigerate for 1 hour or longer. Fill a glass with ice, pour in the agua fresca, garnish with a mint sprig, and serve.

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Ratings

4 out of 5
377 user ratings
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Comments

Hobokenienne

Doubled the watermelon & added only 2c water; juice of 1 lemon, handful of basil, about 8 ice cubes. Didn't strain out the healthy fiber or add more water. No need to refrigerate before serving over ice. 4 generous servings @ 16 oz each.

Pat Hennigan

I add fresh ginger, mint and lime juice and no sugar. Makes a great after exercise drink

Adri

This makes it more of a smoothie and no longer an authentic Agua Fresca.

Roxie

Make peak seasonal fruit Fresca with no added sugar.

Bijou

As per comments, I added 6 small genovese basil leaves a pinch of coarse sea salt. After a few tries, we determined that we prefer to use less water initially (just to help with blending) and allow each individual to add water as they prefer. I added still water, and I loved it. My husband added sparkling water, and it was out of this world good. Letting it sit in fridge before serving seemed to enhance flavour.

DrDre2008SJ

I used a wee bit of agave sweetener instead of sugar with a slightly over-ripe cantaloupe for a delightful agua fresca. Added a sprig of fresh mint. Perfect!

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