Get ready for summer in a glass. Fresh Watermelon Water is made with—surprise—ripe watermelon. It’s a simple, fruity, non-alcoholic refresher: blend fresh fruit with water, chill, then pour into a glass and relax.
Often called a watermelon agua fresca, this drink is one of the quickest, most refreshing beverages you can make at home. It outshines most store-bought watermelon waters, which sometimes taste overly sweet or artificial. Like other simple fruit waters, it’s made from real fruit, needs no added sugar when your melon is ripe, and can be served chilled, over ice, or even frozen into a slushy.
So what is watermelon water? It’s essentially pureed watermelon diluted with a little water to lighten the texture — not a juice concentrate. No special gear is required: a blender, water, ice, and an optional splash of lime or a few mint leaves are all you need.
Agua frescas are popular across Mexico and translate literally as “fresh water.” There’s something effortlessly summery about pouring fruit into a pitcher and serving it cold. Watermelon water is healthy, hydrating, and highly adaptable—add herbs, citrus, or even a shot of your favorite spirit for a grown-up version. If you’re ready to sip summer, read on.
Ingredient notes
With only a few ingredients, this is an easy recipe to pull together.
- Watermelon — Choose a ripe melon. Seedless varieties save time, but seeded watermelons work fine with a bit more prep. If available, yellow watermelon adds a fun color and mild flavor.
- Water — Use filtered water for the cleanest taste.
- Sweetener — Optional. Only add if the watermelon isn’t sweet enough. Agave, honey, or granulated sugar are good choices; start light and adjust to taste.
- Mint or lime — Optional additions for extra brightness.
- Ice — For serving.
How to make watermelon water
You’ll need a sharp knife, a blender, and a pitcher. Straining is optional but gives a smoother, clearer beverage.
Step 1. Wash the outside of the watermelon, slice it open, remove seeds if needed, and cut into rough chunks. Add the chunks to a blender with water and mint (if using). Blend on high until smooth. Work in batches if necessary.
Step 2 (optional). For a smoother texture, pour the blended mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a pitcher to remove pulp and foam. Press gently with a spoon to extract the liquid.
Chill the pitcher for an hour or more, or serve immediately over plenty of ice. Garnish with a lime wedge or extra mint leaves for a fresh presentation.
💡Expert tip
For a polished look, reserve a few small slices or melon balls on skewers and perch them on the rim of each glass as a garnish.
Variations and serving suggestions
Enjoy the watermelon water plain or experiment with these ideas:
- Mix fruits — Swap or combine watermelon with cantaloupe, honeydew, or pineapple for a different profile.
- Add citrus — A squeeze of lemon or lime brightens the flavor.
- Try basil — Substitute basil for mint for a peppery herb note.
- Make it sparkling — Blend the watermelon with little to no water, strain, then top with seltzer or club soda for a fizzy drink.
- Boozy option — Use the watermelon water as a mixer for cocktails: vodka and lime or white rum for a watermelon mojito are excellent choices.
- Frozen slush — Blend with extra ice for a frozen, slushy treat.
Storage
Store fresh watermelon water in a lidded container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Glass is best. If pulp is left in the drink it may settle—give the pitcher a quick stir before serving.
Frequently asked questions
Ripe melons such as cantaloupe and honeydew are excellent options. Yellow watermelon also makes a pretty, slightly different tasting drink. You can also mix different fruits for a refreshing fruit medley.
More summer recipes
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Easy Summer Plum Cake
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Grilled Peach Caprese Toast
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Roasted Garlic Pesto Sauce
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Parmesan Zucchini Pancakes
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📖Recipe
Fresh Watermelon Water
Equipment
- blender
- strainer or fine mesh sieve (optional)
- glass pitcher
Ingredients
- 6 cups chopped, ripe watermelon
- 2 cups filtered water
- a few fresh mint leaves or lime wedges (optional)
- sweetener such as agave, honey, or sugar (optional)
- ice for serving
Instructions
- Combine watermelon, water, and mint (if using) in a blender. Blend on high until smooth, working in batches if needed.
- Taste and add up to 2 tablespoons sweetener if desired, then blend briefly to combine.
- Optional: strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher to remove pulp and foam for a clearer drink.
- Chill the pitcher for at least an hour or serve immediately over ice. Garnish with mint or a lime wedge if you like.
Notes
Nutrition*
*Nutrition information is an estimate and provided as a courtesy. Actual values may vary.