Cool, sweet, and made with just 3 ingredients, this Agua de Sandia (watermelon agua fresca) is one of the most popular Mexican drinks. Naturally hydrating, full of antioxidants, and no added sugar, just fresh, ripe watermelon in every sip.
Agua de horchata, agua de melon, agua de mango-I love them all! But growing up, wwatermelon agua fresca was the one my mom made the most. Simple, sweet, and refreshing, we would guzzle it down, always wanting one more glass.
Now I make it for my own kids, especially during the summer when watermelon is at its peak. Plus, it has no added sugar, the natural sweetness of the watermelon is more than enough.
All you need is a blender, fresh watermelon, and water and you've got one of the easiest aguas frescas to make at home. It's hydrating, nutrient-rich, and perfect for hot days.
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Check out these variations on this classic, Watermelon Strawberry Agua Fresca and Cucumber Watermelon Agua Fresca.
What is Watermelon Agua Fresca?
Watermelon agua fresca (agua de sandia) is a light, refreshing Mexican drink made by blending ripe watermelon with water. Known for its natural sweetness and vibrant color, it's one of the most popular flavors of aguas frescas, especially during May through September when watermelon is as its sweetest.
Aguas frecas are a type of traditional drinks made by blending water with fruit, seeds, or flowers. They are common throughout Mexico and often served in large containers at taquerías and markets. But they're incredibly easy to make at home, with just a blender and fresh ingredients.
Ingredients & Substitutions
The recipe only uses three ingredients: watermelon, water and ice. The key is choosing a sweet, juicy watermelon so you don't need to add sugar. Use enough water to blend smoothly, too much will dilute flavor. Ice helps chill the drink but should be added in small amounts or to individual glasses. If your watermelon isn't as sweet as you'd like, you can add in honey, coconut sugar or your preferred sweetener to taste.
See recipe card for list of ingredients and quantities.
How to Pick a Watermelon
Choosing a ripe watermelon makes all the difference, since it's what leads to the most flavorful results, without needed sugar. Here's what to look for:
- Field Spot: Look for a yellow spot on the rind (called a field spot). This indicates the watermelon ripened on the vine.
- Heavy for Its Size: A heavier watermelon usually means it has more juice and flavor.
- Dry Stem: The stem areas should look dry, not green. A green stem means it was picked too early.
- Webbing or Brown Marks: These are a sign of pollination from bees. More webbing usually means a sweeter fruit.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Watermelon: Wash and cut the watermelon into large cubes.
- Add Ingredients: Add water and watermelon pieces to a blender.
- Blend: Blend until smooth.
- Chill and Serve: Stir in one cup of ice, then pour into a pitcher or bottle. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until cold, or serve immediately over ice.
Tip: I personally don't strain this particular agua fresca because I enjoy the texture from the blended watermelon. However, if you prefer a smoother drink, or if your watermelon has seeds, you can strain it through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth after blending.
Recommended for This Recipe
Vitamix Blender
I use my high-powered Vitamix every day. It blends so well that it's perfect for making aguas frescas.
How to Serve
Serve chilled and/or over ice in glasses or in a large pitcher for gatherings. Garnish with a small watermelon wedge, a sprig of mint, or a chamoy and Tajín rim for a spicy twist. For some delicious variations, mix in juice from one lime or add diced fruit to the pitcher.
Storing
Store in an airtight pitcher or bottle for up to 3 days. The pulp will settle, so give it a quick shake or stir before serving.
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 Sandia
Equipment
- Mesh sieve or cheesecloth
- Pitcher
Ingredients
- 6 cups ripe watermelon, cut into cubes (seedless preferred)
- 2 cups cold water
- 1 cup cubed ice
- 1 tablespoon sweetener (optional, see notes)
Instructions
- Wash and cut the watermelon into large cubes. You will need 6 heaping cups of watermelon.
- Add the water and watermelon to the blender. Blend for about one minute until smooth.
- For little to no pulp, use a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to strain the liquid into a pitcher. If using a high-powered blender, straining should not be necessary. If using a watermelon with seeds, definitely strain to get rid of any extra seeds.
- Pour the drink into a pitcher or bottle. Add 1 cup of ice and stir. Do not add too much ice as this will dilute the flavor and sweetness.
- Place container in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour until cold.
- Store any leftover agua fresca in an air-tight bottle or other container for up to 3 days. The pulp will settle at the bottom so give the bottle a quick shake before serving.
Notes
- If the watermelon is ripe enough, it'll add all the sweetness you need. However, if additional sweetener is desired, you can use your preferred sweetener.
- Garnish with a small watermelon wedge, a sprig of mint, or a chamoy and Tajín rim for a spicy twist.
- For some delicious variations, mix in juice from one lime or add diced fruit to the pitcher.
Nutrition
Originally published September 8, 2022. Updated post July 2025.
Georgina
Thank you for the tips on choosing watermelons. They were great and helped me pick the perfect watermelon for this easy recipe!
Gemma
Hi Georgina, that's great! So happy they helped.