One of the more popular aguas frescas, this Agua de Melón is a refreshing and easy to make Mexican drink. Made with a delicious pairing of fresh cantaloupe and a touch of honey, this melon water is a dear one from my childhood with its lovely balance of sweetness and natural richness.
Agua de Sandia and agua de melón were the top aguas frescas my mom would make during the summer when we were growing up, and with good reason. Not only are both of these fruits some of our favorites, but they contain some of the highest water content making them an excellent choice when making these refreshing drinks.
Nowadays, my kids, husband and I enjoy all sorts of aguas, like Pineapple Agua Fresca and Cucumber Lime Agua Fresca, but the cantaloupe variety continues to be one that we enjoy the most. Plus, just like my mom did, it is one that I make quite frequently and I am excited to show you how easy it is to make.
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What is Agua Fresca de Melón?
Agua fresca is a traditional Mexican beverage, which translates to "fresh water." It's a refreshing drink made by blending fruits, flowers, grains, or seeds with water and sweetener.
Agua de melón is a popular type of agua fresca made with ripe cantaloupe. This cooling drink combines sweet cantaloupe with water and sweetener. It is especially great to make during cantaloupe's peak season from June-September.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This recipe just involves washing and cutting your fruit, then blending until smooth.
- Natural Ingredients: With only 3 natural ingredients - cantaloupe, honey, and water, - the pure, fresh flavors of the cantaloupe really shine through.
- Refreshing: A thirst-quenching drink that is perfect for hot summer days or whenever you're in the mood for a sweet, vibrant beverage.
- Nutritious: Cantaloupe is packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants making this recipe a nutritious and hydrating choice.
- Naturally Sweetened: If you pick a ripe melon then there won't be a need to add any sweetener. However, if your melon is not very ripe then honey will add a touch of natural sweetness that perfectly complements the cantaloupe.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Cantaloupe: Choose a ripe, medium-sized melon which will result in a much richer and flavorful agua fresca.
- Water: I prefer to use filtered water to ensure a pure and crisp taste.
- Honey: As mentioned earlier, you could opt to not use any sweetener if your melon is pretty ripe. However, I think the flavors of cantaloupe and honey go extremely well together. Honey adds depth to the sweetness of the cantaloupe, resulting in a more well-rounded drink.
- Ice (optional): Ice is optional but aguas frescas are best served over ice to help maintain the refreshing temperature and add an extra touch of coldness.
See recipe card for quantities.
Substitutions
Honeydew is another type of melon that can be used in place of cantaloupe.
You can substitute the honey for cane sugar or agave nectar.
How to Pick a Ripe Cantaloupe
A ripe melon is key as it will yield the sweetest, most flavorful results. Here are some tips on how to pick the right one:
- Choose a cantaloupe with a beige or yellowish undertone and avoid those with a green hue, as they are likely underripe.
- Smell the stem area of the cantaloupe. A sweet and fragrant scent indicates ripeness. If there is no scent or it smells unpleasant, it may not be fully ripe.
- Pick a cantaloupe that feels heavy for its size. This means it has a good amount of juice content.
How to Cut a Cantaloupe
The top thing to remember is to have a sharp knife that will easily cut through the rind. Just note that I recommend leaving the seeds in as they are a great source of antioxidants and nutrients, but that is up to you.
- Cut in half: Using a large, sharp knife, cut the cantaloupe in half lengthwise.
- Scoop out seeds (optional): Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and stringy part in the center.
- Peel: Peel the skin off each half.
- Cut into pieces: Cut the peeled cantaloupe into pieces for easier blending.
How to Make Melon Water
1. Prepare Cantaloupe: Wash and cut the cantaloupe into larger cubes.
2. Blend: Add cold, filtered water and cantaloupe pieces to a blender. Blend for 1-2 minutes until smooth.
3. Strain: Strain using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any remaining pulp or seeds that may have been left behind, this is especially important if you added the seeds to the blender. If you're using a high-powered blender, like a Vitamix, you may not need to strain as a powerful blender will do a good job of pulverizing the seeds and melon.
4. Sweeten: Taste and add more sweetener if desired. Blend again to incorporate the sweetener. Chill and serve.
Recommended for this Recipe
Vitamix Blender
I use my high-powered Vitamix every day. It blends so well that there is no need to strain.
How to Serve
Pour the cantaloupe agua fresca into a large pitcher or bottle and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour until cold. You can also serve over ice and garnish with pieces of melon in clear glasses so the beautiful color can be on full display.
How to Store
Store in an air-tight bottle or other container for up to 3 days. The pulp may settle at the bottom so give the bottle a quick shake before serving.
Tips and Variations
- Taste before adding the honey so you don't add too much. Start with one to two tablespoons, blend and taste. Then, add more if needed.
- I recommend blending the cantaloupe with the seeds as they are a great source of antioxidants and nutrients, but you can certainly remove them if you prefer.
- Freeze and blend the cantaloupe cubes with water to create a frosty version.
- Add fresh lime or lemon juice to add a subtle tanginess and enhance the flavors.
- Blend with or garnish with mint leaves for another variation.
- Refrigerate the cantaloupe before blending. This will help your agua cool down faster, decreasing the time in the refrigerator or the need for ice.
FAQ
Like any other agua fresca, this one is best enjoyed the day it is made. However, you can make it ahead of time, but do not store for more than 2-3 days or it'll lose its freshness and flavor.
Aguas frescas are typically served as non-alcoholic drinks, but you can certainly add some of your favorite spirit, like vodka, rum or tequila, to create a refreshing melon cocktail.
Yes, this agua fresca is naturally dairy-free and if you don't use honey, then it can also be vegan.
I hope you enjoy! If you try this recipe, please leave me a comment with a star rating below. Also, be sure to follow me on Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest to stay in touch, and don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter.
Recipe
Agua de Melón (Melon Water)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 medium ripe cantaloupe
- ¼ cup honey
- 5 cups cold water
Instructions
- Wash and cut the cantaloupe into large chunks. I recommend blending the cantaloupe with the seeds as they are a great source of antioxidants and nutrients, but you can certainly remove them if you prefer.
- Add cold water and cantaloupe pieces to a blender.
- Blend for 1-2 minutes until smooth.
- Strain (especially if you blended with the seeds) using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any remaining pulp or seeds. If using a high-powered blender, straining may not be necessary.
- Taste.
- If a sweeter result is desired then add 1-2 tablespoons of honey and blend again.
- Taste once more and add more honey if needed until desired sweetness is achieved.
- Pour the drink into a large pitcher or bottle and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour until cold.
- Serve cold, and over ice if desired.
Notes
- If your melon is ripe you may choose not to add any sweetener. However, I think the flavors of cantaloupe and honey go extremely well together. Honey adds depth to the sweetness of the cantaloupe, resulting in a more well-rounded drink.
- Taste before adding the honey so you don't add too much. Start with one to two tablespoons, blend and taste. Then, add more if needed.
- You can substitute the honey for cane sugar or agave nectar.
Nutrition
Originally posted in July 6, 2023; Updated post August 2024.
Michelle
I had a cantaloupe that no one was eating, but when I made it into this agua fresca it was gone in 20 minutes.
Gemma
Hi Michelle, I do this too when I have leftover cantaloupe or watermelon.
Tessa
I love how the melon and honey go together. I can't wait to make this again.
Gemma
Oh that's great. Thank you for trying it Tessa!
Julie
Looks yummy! Can't wait to try it!
Gemma
Hi Julie, thank you! I hope you like it!