I’m still battling it out.
Derby or Cinco de Mayo?
Bourbon or tequila?
Mint or limes?
Why not both? I’m talking mint and limes — a combination that works beautifully in a bright, nonalcoholic refresher.
A question I get a lot is how to make my margaritas or mojitos without alcohol. Many cocktails translate well with a splash of club soda, but agua fresca is an even simpler option: fruit, water, lime and a touch of sweetener. It’s fruity water — delicious, hydrating, and something everyone can enjoy.
Agua fresca is incredibly refreshing by design. Mint and lime add a bright lift, and because the base is real fruit, it feels wholesome. You’re basically drinking nutrients — celebrate that.
Pureed watermelon is a particular favorite. Blending the fruit until silky takes me right back to the summer I made watermelon soda floats — a nostalgic, fizzy treat I need to make again soon.
Watermelon juice is simple and striking: just puree, strain, add water and lime, and sweeten to taste. It’s fast and perfect for warm days.
While Cinco de Mayo vibes are winning right now, I want to throw a combined Cinco/Derby gathering — with plenty of aguas frescas to go around. If only all my internet friends could come in person; virtual baking only gets you so far.
There are endless ways to make agua fresca. This post shows two: watermelon and mango, but blueberry, raspberry (strained to remove seeds), strawberry, pomegranate, and even kiwi are excellent options. I’ll be trying blueberry next and planning a kiwi batch soon.
Here are a few key tips for great agua fresca:
- Serve it ice-cold. A chilled dispenser with a spout looks great and keeps the drink refreshingly cool.
- Keep it bright, not cloyingly sweet. Agua fresca should taste like fruit-flavored water, not juice. Fruit sweetness varies, so taste as you go and add sugar only if needed.
- Garnish with fresh mint or stir in a few leaves for a subtle herbal note.
This is the ideal summer drink: lighter than soda or lemonade, easy to sip, and perfectly suited to chips, salsa, cookies — whatever your summer menu calls for.
Watermelon + Mango Agua Fresca
2 each flavor serves about 4
10 mins
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Ingredients
watermelon agua fresca
- 1/2 watermelon, seeded and cubed (about 2 cups)
- 1 cup water
- 3 limes, juiced
- 2 tablespoons sugar (optional)
- fresh mint
mango agua fresca
- 2 ripe mangos, peeled and cubed
- 2 cups water
- 3 limes, juiced
- 2 tablespoons sugar (optional)
- fresh mint
Instructions
watermelon agua fresca
- Add watermelon to a blender and puree until completely smooth. Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a large bowl or measuring cup, pressing gently to extract all the liquid. Combine watermelon juice, water, lime juice and sugar in a large pitcher. Taste and add more sugar if needed. Stir in or garnish with fresh mint. Chill until cold.
mango agua fresca
- Place mango cubes and 1 cup water in a blender and puree until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh sieve, pressing to release the liquid. Combine the strained mango with the remaining water, lime juice and sugar in a pitcher. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed. Add fresh mint or use as a garnish. Chill until cold.
Notes
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Finally, if you prefer an adult version, a splash of tequila, rum or vodka complements these flavors nicely. But enjoyed plain, agua fresca is a simple, delicious way to stay cool all summer long.