Frozen Watermelon Lime Agua Fresca Recipe — Refreshing Summer Drink

I can think of nothing better than celebrating the second day of summer with this.

Frozen agua fresca — specifically frozen watermelon lime agua fresca. Light, bright and icy, it’s exactly what a hot summer day calls for. I’d happily spend every minute by the pool with one of these in hand.

We’re so close to vacation and I can practically taste summer. I’ve always been oddly meticulous about packing — while others scramble, I’m the person pacing in the kitchen making sure everything’s prepared. But what I’ve wanted even more lately is a genuinely refreshing, non-alcoholic taste of summer. This fits the bill.

After making watermelon frosé a while back, I got a lot of questions about whether it could be made alcohol-free. Frozen wine is unique, so I usually said no — but this frozen watermelon lime agua fresca is the best non-alcoholic alternative I’ve found: just as vibrant, equally refreshing, and perfect for a sunny afternoon.

It’s simple to make and delightfully photogenic, which, yes, matters sometimes. A pretty drink is more fun to share and even more fun to sip.

I first played with watermelon agua fresca years ago, and it remains a favorite. Watermelon is my top pick for agua fresca, with strawberry close behind when it’s not too sweet. Around here, a taco stand makes a very sugary strawberry version that’s delicious if you want something sweeter.

For this frozen version, I combine lots of freshly squeezed lime juice and a touch of sugar to balance the fruit. You can adjust the sweetness to taste — add more or less sugar depending on how ripe your watermelon is.

Quick note: I often use simple syrup in drinks, but because this recipe is blended with lots of ice, granulated sugar works perfectly and dissolves during blending. If you prefer, use simple syrup — it’s fast to make and works well too.

Make a big pitcher and sit in the sun.

And if you want an adult version, you can easily add a splash of rum.