I’m still battling it out.
Derby or Cinco de Mayo?
Bourbon or tequila?
Mint or limes?
Okay — let’s do both. I mean the mint and the limes.
A common question I get is how to turn my margaritas and mojitos into nonalcoholic versions. Many cocktails work great with a splash of club soda instead of booze, but agua fresca is another perfect option. It’s simply fruit-infused water: fruity, refreshing, and something everyone can enjoy.
Agua fresca is incredibly refreshing — likely its whole point. The mint and lime give it a bright kick, and because it’s made from fruit, it feels wholesome. You’re basically drinking your nutrients. Embrace it.
Watermelon juice. So good.
Pureeing the watermelon took me back to the summer I made watermelon soda floats. I haven’t made those in a while and now I’m oddly determined to do it again.
Even though Cinco de Mayo is calling my name, I’d love to host a joint Cinco/Derby party. In my head it’s huge and festive — though all my invisible internet friends would have to come because I don’t have that many in-person friends. That’s the hazard of baking cookies for people across a screen.
I’m showing two versions of agua fresca here, but you can make so many varieties. Next up: blueberry. I’m planning raspberry too — removing those tiny seeds while keeping the flavor makes me happy. Strawberry is obvious. Maybe pomegranate, although that’s a little more work. Kiwi is also on my list; watch out, kiwi, I’m coming for you.
Here are some keys to enjoying agua fresca:
- Serve it ice-cold. It’s meant to be refreshing, and it looks lovely in a tabletop beverage dispenser with a little spigot.
- Keep it fruity but not overly sweet. Agua fresca isn’t a straight juice, so aim for balance. Fruit sweetness varies, so taste as you go — you may not even need to add sugar.
- Because it’s lighter than lemonade, you can enjoy more snacks without feeling weighed down. That’s a win in my book.
Watermelon + Mango Agua Fresca
Yield:
2
each flavor serves about 4
10 mins
Pin Recipe
Leave a Review »
Ingredients
watermelon agua fresca
- 1/2 watermelon, seeded and cubed (about 2 cups)
- 1 cup water
- 3 limes, juiced
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- fresh mint
mango agua fresca
- 2 ripe mangos, peeled and cubed
- 2 cups water
- 3 limes, juiced
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- fresh mint
Instructions
watermelon agua fresca
-
Add the watermelon to a blender and puree until completely smooth. Strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl or measuring cup, pressing gently to extract the juice. Combine the watermelon juice, water, lime juice and sugar in a pitcher. Taste and add more sugar if desired. Stir in fresh mint leaves or reserve mint for garnish. Chill until cold.
mango agua fresca
-
Place mango cubes and 1 cup of water in the blender and puree until smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing to release the liquid. Combine the mango purée, remaining water, lime juice and sugar in a pitcher. Taste and add more sugar if needed. Add fresh mint or use as a garnish. Chill until cold.
Notes
Did you make this recipe?
Be sure to follow @howsweeteats on Instagram and tag #howsweeteats. You can also post a photo of your recipe to the Facebook page. I appreciate you so much!
Finally — if you want alcohol, feel free to add tequila, rum, vodka, or whatever spirit you like. Agua fresca is flexible: make it as simple, spirited, or sweet as you prefer.