This Creamy Watermelon Agua Fresca is everything I love about traditional agua de sandía with a rich, silky twist. Fresh watermelon, coconut milk, and dairy-free creamer create a simple and refreshing summer drink that's naturally dairy-free and incredibly smooth without masking the sweet flavor of the fruit. If you are already a fan of classic agua de sandía, then you will love this creamy version.
Agua de Sandia is one of the agua frescas I make most often during the summer, and growing up, it was the one my mom made more than any other. Over the years, that love for watermelon has inspired other recipes like watermelon pineapple agua fresca, sparkling watermelon mint agua fresca, watermelon strawberry agua fresca, and cucumber watermelon agua fresca.
Recently, I wondered what would happen if I gave that familiar drink a creamy twist. I've been loving refrigerated coconut milk as a dairy-free alternative because its subtle flavor doesn't compete with the watermelon. A splash of dairy-free creamer gave it the rich, smooth texture I was hoping for, and after one sip, my husband immediately said, "You have to put this on the blog."
This creamy watermelon agua fresca is just as refreshing as the traditional version but with a silky texture. I also leave it unstrained, just like I do with my classic recipe, so every glass keeps more of the fruit's natural fiber and fresh flavor.
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Ingredients & Substitutions
- Watermelon: Choose a ripe, sweet watermelon for the best flavor. Since watermelon is the star of this recipe, the sweeter it is, the less sweetener you'll need.
- Refrigerated Coconut Milk: I recommend using refrigerated coconut milk, not canned. It has a much milder coconut flavor that adds creaminess without overpowering the watermelon. If you don't need the recipe to be dairy-free, you can substitute whole milk for a lighter creamy texture. Almond milk is another good dairy-free option, although it will slightly change the flavor.
- Dairy-Free Creamer: The creamer gives this agua fresca a richer, silkier texture. Since refrigerated coconut milk is naturally thinner than canned coconut milk, the creamer helps create the creamy consistency that makes this recipe special. For the best flavor, I recommend using an unsweetened or lightly sweetened plain variety. I especially like this one. You can also substitute a dairy creamer of your choice.
- Honey Simple Syrup (optional): Depending on how sweet your watermelon is, you may not need any sweetener at all. I like adding a little honey simple syrup because it blends in easily, but you can use your preferred sweetener or simply leave it out.
See recipe card for a full list of the ingredients and quantities.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Add to Blender: Add the chopped watermelon and 1 cup of the cold water to a blender.
- Blend: Blend until completely smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the blended watermelon into a large pitcher. Stir in the remaining ingredients.
- Sweeten to Taste: Taste the agua fresca. If you'd like it a little sweeter, stir in the honey simple syrup or your preferred sweetener until it reaches your desired sweetness.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until well chilled. Serve over ice and stir before pouring if needed.
Recommended for This Recipe
High-Powered Blender
I use my high-powered Vitamix almost every day. It is amazing for sauces and salsas. It also makes such smooth aguas frescas that there's no need to strain.
How to Serve
Creamy watermelon agua fresca is best served well chilled over plenty of ice. Give it a quick stir before pouring, as the coconut milk may naturally separate slightly while it chills.
Storing
Store in a covered pitcher or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If any separation occurs, simply stir or shake well before serving.
Tips from My Kitchen
- Choose the ripest watermelon you can find. Since watermelon is the main ingredient, its sweetness makes all the difference.
- Use refrigerated coconut milk instead of canned. Its mild flavor adds creaminess without overpowering the fresh watermelon.
- Taste before sweetening. Every watermelon is different. I always wait until after adding the coconut milk and creamer before deciding if it needs a little honey simple syrup.
- I don't strain my agua fresca. Leaving the watermelon unstrained keeps more of the fruit in every glass while giving the drink a fresh, homemade texture.
- Chill before serving. The flavors come together even better after the agua fresca has had time to cool in the refrigerator.
More Agua Fresca Recipes
- Horchata Agua Fresca
- Creamy Strawberry Agua Fresca
- Creamy Blueberry Agua Fresca
- Agua de Platano
- Agua de Melon
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
Creamy Watermelon Agua Fresca (Agua de Sandía Cremosa)
Equipment
- Pitcher
- mixing spoon
Ingredients
- 5 cups chopped seedless watermelon
- 2 cups cold water, divided
- 1 cup refrigerated unsweetened coconut milk
- ½ cup dairy-free creamer
- honey simple syrup or preferred sweetener to taste
Optional Simple Syrup
- 1 cup water
- ¾ cup honey
Instructions
- Add the watermelon and 1 cup of the cold water to a blender. Blend until completely smooth.
- Pour the blended watermelon juice into a large pitcher.
- Stir in the remaining 1 cup water, coconut milk, and dairy-free creamer until well combined.
- Taste and add ¼ cup of honey simple syrup at a time (or preferred sweetener), if desired, until it reaches your preferred sweetness.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until well chilled.
- Stir before serving and pour over ice.
Notes
- Use refrigerated coconut milk, not canned, for the mildest flavor.
- Sweetness will vary depending on the ripeness of your watermelon.
- I prefer not to strain the watermelon so the drink keeps more of the fruit's natural texture and flavor. However, if you use a watermelon with seeds, then straining will be necessary.
- Natural separation is normal. Simply stir before serving.
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