This Sparkling Watermelon Mint Agua Fresca is made with fresh, juicy watermelon, a hint of cool mint, a squeeze of zesty lime, and topped with refreshing sparkling water. It is an incredibly invigorating and bubbly drink that's easy to make, ready in just 10 minutes, and is perfect to quench your thirst or when you're craving a delicious mocktail.
Watermelon is a favorite in my house, when it's in season we go through one almost every week! As much as I love slicing it up and enjoying it as is, I also love turning it into refreshing aguas frescas. From the classic agua de sandía to blends like watermelon strawberry agua fresca and cucumber watermelon agua fresca, it makes the best naturally sweet drinks.
Today's sparkling agua fresca is a refreshing twist on the classic. Blending juicy watermelon with fresh mint and lime creates a crisp, balanced flavor, while a splash of sparkling water adds just the right amount of fizz.
Not only is it easy to make with simple, natural ingredients, but it's also packed with benefits. Watermelon is hydrating and full of antioxidants, while mint and lime support digestion and are rich in vitamins. It's a light, flavorful drink that's naturally gluten-free, vegan, and great for all ages.
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For another great sparkling drink, try this fizzy Blueberry Mocktail.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Watermelon: I reccomend a ripe, seedless watermelon. Follow the steps below to ensure you have a ripe watermelon for the best result. A watermelon with seeds can also be used but you definitely want to strain once blended.
- Water: Only a small amount of water is needed to create the watermelon juice for the base. Watermelon is already made up of so much water that adding too much more will dilute the final product and you won't get that delicious flavor.
- Sweetener (optional): Depending on how ripe and sweet your watermelon is, you may only need a small of amount of sweetener or none at all. If needed, I prefer to add raw agave syrup for its mild flavor or a simple syrup. For a healthier alternative, I also like honey.
- Mint Leaves: I like to use hierbabuena, specifically spearmint, because of its sweet and slightly peppery flavor. Peppermint leaves can also be used instead of spearmint.
- Lime: Lime juice adds a zesty, tangy flavor. Lemons can be used instead, but they add more acidity as compared to limes.
- Cold Sparkling Water: We like to use Topo Chico, which is a sparkling mineral water from Mexico that has a great flavor and is extra fizzy. It is readily available now in many grocery stores and online. However, other original-flavored sparkling waters will work too. Club soda or a watermelon-flavored sparkling water are great options too.
- Ice
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Choose a Watermelon
The key to the most flavorful agua fresca lies in choosing the right watermelon. Here are tips to help you choose the right one:
- Size: Choose a watermelon that is heavier for its size. This usually means it will be sweeter because it will be juicier.
- Field Spot: Look for a creamy, yellow spot (referred to as a field spot) which indicates the watermelon was resting on the ground longer and therefore will be ripe.
- Stem: Look at the area where the stem was. Be sure this area is not green, which means the watermelon was picked too early. Rather this area should look dry which indicates the fruit is ripe.
- Scarring: Choose one that has webbing or brown scars. These marks are caused by bees during pollination and the more webbing the sweeter the fruit will be.
Don't worry if you get a less than perfect watermelon. It's ideal for drinks and aguas frescas. Blending it with sweeteners, water, and ice enhances the flavor. So, instead of discarding it, use it to make a great drink.
How to Make Sparkling Watermelon Juice
- Prepare Watermelon: Chop watermelon into medium-sized pieces.
- Make Watermelon Juice: Add the watermelon and water to a blender and blend until smooth. Taste and add sweetener, if needed. Blend again.
- Strain: Use a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to strain the juice for a smoother consistency.
- Muddle Mint: Add mint leaves to a tall glass and gently muddle with the back of a spoon. Add ice.
- Add Juice: Squeeze lime juice into the glass and add watermelon juice. Mix to combine.
- Finish Drink: Top off with sparkling water. To keep it bubbly while sipping, add more sparkling water as needed, I like to keep a bottle of Topo Chico on hand for this.
Recommended for this Recipe
Vitamix Blender
I use my high-powered Vitamix every day. It blends aguas frescas so well that there is no need to strain.
How to Serve
- Serve immediately for optimal freshness and coldness.
- Garnish using lime wedges, watermelon slices, or mint sprigs.
- Present in clear glasses to highlight the vibrant colors.
- For a large batch option mix in a pitcher, adjusting ingredient quantities.
Storing
- Store the watermelon juice in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- If you mixed the mocktail with sparkling water and ice, serve it immediately. The carbonation fades over time, so it's best enjoyed the same day.
Tips and Variations
- Chill the watermelon and sparkling water for the most refreshing result or even freeze and blend the watermelon cubes with water to create a frozen version.
- Rim your glass with lime juice or chamoy and Tajin chile powder for a delicious, spicy addition.
- Make this into a cocktail by adding rum, like a traditional mojito, or even some tequila.
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.
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Recipe
Sparkling Watermelon Mint Agua Fresca
Equipment
Ingredients
- 5 cups chopped seedless watermelon
- 1 cup water
- 1-2 tablespoons sweetener (or to taste) simple syrup, agave, honey or another liquid sweetener
- 40 mint leaves (10 per serving)
- 1 lime
- 4 cold bottles of Topo Chico or other original-flavored or watermelon-flavored sparkling water
Instructions
- This recipe works best if you serve each of the glasses individually to maintain the drink bubbly.
- Blend chopped watermelon with water until smooth.
- Taste and add sweetener of your choice, I prefer agave syrup.
- Blend again.
- Use a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to strain the juice for a smoother consistency.
- In a tall glass, add in 10 mint leaves. Use the back of a spoon to gently muddle the mint leaves slightly, without bruising. Add ice.
- Squeeze ¼ of the lime into the glass and add 1 cup of the watermelon juice.
- Mix to combine.
- Top off the glass with sparkling water (about ½ cup).
- Repeat same process for each individual serving with the remaining watermelon juice.
- To keep it bubbly while sipping, add more sparkling water as needed, I like to keep a bottle of Topo Chico on hand for this.
Notes
- If you're using a high-powered blender, like a Vitamix, you don't necessarily need to strain the juice. However, if you use another type of blender, or a watermelon with seeds, then straining will help get rid of any fibrous pulp or seeds left behind.
- Make this into a cocktail by adding rum, like a traditional mojito, or even some tequila.
Nutrition
Originally published September 3, 2021. Updated post and photos August 2023 and March 2025.
Teresa
This was so easy to make and so refreshing! I can't wait to make it for BBQs this summer.
Gemma
Hi Teresa, so happy you'll be making it again. Thank you for trying it!
Jessica
I LOVE the addition of the sparkling water. Agua de sandia is already a favorite but this might be a new one! Thank you!
Gemma
I love agua de sandia too and this definitely is a favorite for me.
Lola
I’ve never has a sparkling watermelon agua fresca and love this bubbly spin on a classic!
Gemma
The sparkling water makes it extra refreshing.
Vicky
The watermelon mixed with the mint and lime were amazing! I love this for the summer!
Gemma
I love the combination too! Thank you for the comment!
Sandra
Love this, an amazing summer drink!
Gemma
So great to hear. Yes, it's so refreshing!
Dayne Conn
Tried this recipe twice. Came out beautiful. Thanks.
everydaylatina
I’m so glad to hear that! Thank you for trying it and for the comment.