Watermelon Agua Fresca Recipe | Mexican Drink With Fruit | Summer Drink

Fresh fruit drinks are very popular all over Mexico and are served from large barrel-shaped glass containers. Agua Fresca or Aguas de Frutas – literally translated in Spanish as “fresh water” or “fruit waters”.  In India, this delicious watermelon drink is called Tarbooj Ka Sharbat. So friends I’m here today to share with you Watermelon Agua Fresca Recipe.

This wonderful Watermelon Aqua Fresca drink is a very light-bodied and very refreshing fruit drink combined with a sweetener (traditionally sugar) and water. It is a very cooling summer drink and a refreshing alternative to a lemonade or iced tea.

Few Watermelon Facts:

Did you know that watermelon is actually a vegetable and not a fruit? Also a Watermelon consists of 92% water and 8% sugar? It is also related to the pumpkin, cucumber and the squash.

Did you know that every part of the watermelon, including the seeds and the rind is edible? In fact, I prepare a chutney with watermelon rind, that tastes awesome….will be sharing the recipe soon!!

The natural juices are a great alternative to alcohol and also to unhealthy soft drinks. The watermelon and melon have diuretic properties, assisting in kidney function.

Consumption of watermelon is believed to increase the immune resistance of an individual since it is rich in antioxidants. It also helps in preventing the risk of heart attacks and also believed to help in improving the eyesight of an individual.

Watermelon helps the body flush out toxins because it contains the organic compound Citrulline, which is an amino acid that has been shown to help the liver and kidneys filter and get rid of ammonia. Watermelon may also just give the liver an overall boost.

Talking about the benefits of other ingredients in the recipe, Lemon or lime juice helps stimulate and regulate the digestive track, which is why it’s so helpful with constipation, heartburn and gas.

Mint leaves add a nice refreshing flavour to your drink. On top of that, it can help you digest more effectively. Mint also helps relax cramped up stomach muscles.

I guess these are enough reasons to quench your thirst and beat the heat with this drink on a hot summer day!!

Start with a big watermelon. Always look for this ruby red fruit that’s heavy for its size and has a big light-yellow spot on one side, indicating it’s been sitting in the sun ripening to pure, pink perfection.

I used the naturally super-sweet fruit as the base of my drink which eliminated the need for added sugar, then squeezed in fresh lime juice for a touch of tartness.

To make it even more refreshing, you could also add a few sprigs of fresh mint. It’s fantastic. Check out my Mint flavoured watermelon cooler !! I promise you’ll be gulping this drink all summer long.

It can be a healthier option for kids instead of the regular juices with added sugar, or for a burst of energy and hydration either before or after a hot summer workout.

Off to Watermelon Agua Fresca Recipe!!

Steps to follow for Watermelon Agua Fresca Recipe:

• Cut the watermelon into roughly 1-inch cubes.
• In a blender or food processor, combine watermelon, water, sugar, and lime juice and blend until smooth.

NOTE:

Traditionally authentic aqua frescas are made without blenders and done by simply mashing the fruit with a fork or masher before adding the water and sweetener.

• Pour in the mixture through a strainer into a pitcher, forcing through most of the pulp.
• Optionally you can also add mint sprigs.
• Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
• Add ice to the pitcher and then serve with fresh lime wedges for garnish.

• As a decorative touch, add slices or chunks of matching fruit just before serving.

Print Recipe

Watermelon Agua Fresca Recipe | Mexican Drink With Fruit | Summer Drink

Watermelon Agua Fresca Recipe to make refreshing watermelon drink combined with sweetener, water & fresh lime juice for a touch of tartness.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Total Time10 minutes mins

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: Mexican

Servings: 2

Author: Padma

Ingredients

• 2 cups watermelon rind removed, seeded and cubed
• 2 cups cold water
• Juice of ½ lime not more than 1 Tablespoon (plus wedges for garnish)
• 1 to 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar optional
• Few fresh Mint leaves optional
• Ice cubes or crushed ice optional

Instructions

• Cut the watermelon into roughly 1-inch cubes.
• In a blender or food processor, combine watermelon, water, lime juice and sugar and blend until smooth.
• Pour in the mixture through a strainer into a pitcher, forcing through most of the pulp.
• Optionally you can also add mint sprigs.
• Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
• Add ice to the pitcher and then serve with fresh lime wedges for garnish.
• As a decorative touch, add slices or chunks of matching fruit just before serving.

Notes

1. Traditionally an authentic aqua Frescas are made without blenders and done by simply mashing the fruit with a fork or masher before adding the water and sweetener.
2. To choose a watermelon, look for one that is firm, heavy for its size, free of bruises and cuts and creamy yellow on the side that sat on the ground as it grew.
3. Cut watermelon can be stored, covered, in refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
4. Add agave nectar or powdered sugar to taste if drink is not naturally sweet enough for you.
5. The amount of sweetener needed will vary depending on the sweetness of the fruit you are using. Some may not require any at all. Sugar substitutes may be used to reduce calories further.
6. You can also serve it with the pulp in which case avoid the straining step.

Check out other  DRINK RECIPES from blog and enjoy this summer!!

Many more to come….Stay Tuned!!

Happy Cooking 🙂

Cheers!!

Padma.