Sparkling Watermelon Agua Fresca is a refreshing sugar-free drink. All you need to make it are 4 ingredients plus ice and a blender!
Summer calls for ice cold beverages. Am I right?
But many contain a lot of sugar, like lemonade or sweetened iced tea. And while it’s probably okay to have some sugar in moderation, I prefer not to have extra sugar in my beverages, if possible.
If you have kids, you probably don’t want them to have too much sugar either.
I created this recipe for Sparkling Watermelon Agua Fresca when I had half a mini-watermelon left over after making Watermelon Tomato Basil Salad.
What is agua fresca?
Agua fresca is a beverage popular in Mexico and the United States. Generally fruit is combined with water and sugar to make a delicious non-alcoholic drink. You may even see bottled aguas frescas at stores like Trader Joe’s.
But most of the ones I’ve found contain sugar, even though it’s so easy to make them sugar-free with naturally sweet fruit.
To change things up a bit, I decided to use sparkling water since I enjoy fizzy drinks like a Blackberry Ginger Mint Mocktail.
We usually keep a case of Perrier in the garage, but you could use your favorite mineral water such as La Croix. You could experiment with different flavors and see which you like the best. I bet any of the citrus flavors or even coconut would be delicious.
Of course, you also have the option of turning this into an adult beverage by adding vodka or your favorite spirit. I haven’t tried that myself, so be sure to let me know if you do.
As far as equipment goes, all you need is a blender to make these aguas frescas. I like to strain the watermelon juice before pouring it into glasses, but that step is optional.
These drinks are delicious any time of day. They go especially well with Mexican dishes such as Chickpea Guacamole Tacos or Breakfast Nachos, or with a bowl of chips and guacamole.
Now let’s make Sparkling Watermelon Agua Fresca!
Sparkling Watermelon Agua Fresca
Ingredients
- 4 cups watermelon, chunks (seedless)
- 1 Tablespoon lime juice
- 4 mint leaves
- sparkling water
- ice, crushed or cubes
- lime slices , for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a blender, process the watermelon chunks, lime juice, and mint leaves until smooth.
- Strain the watermelon mixture, if desired, and set aside.
- Fill your glasses with ice.
- Pour the watermelon mixture over the ice to fill each glass 3/4 of the way to the top.
- Top each glass with sparkling water, garnish with lime slices (if desired) and enjoy!
Becky Striepe
Oh yum! I love agua fresca, and adding some fizz is a great idea!
Amy
Thank you, Ms. Cocktail Queen! I really love it!
Dreena Burton
This is summer drink perfection. I’m with you, I love a refreshing chilled drink, but not at all into sugary drinks. I save my sugar highs for ice cream. 😉
Amy
Ha! I love the way you think, Dreena! And thank you. 🙂
Sarah
Thank you for this! It’s supposed to get up to 100 degrees this weekend and I need LOTS of ways to keep cool.
Amy
Oh wow! It was so cold when I was there just a couple of weeks ago. Stay cool!
Cadry
This is such a great idea, Amy! I have been obsessed with sparkling water this summer. I haven’t added fruit juice to it, though. Watermelon is so hydrating. It would be perfect! I can’t wait to try this out.
Amy
I hope you enjoy it, Cadry! There’s something so refreshing about a bubbly drink with lots of ice. 🙂
Jenn
I LOVE these photos, Amy! And the drink looks super refreshing. Perfect for the Chicago summer heat!
Amy
Thank you so much, Jenn! That really means a lot to me. 🙂
Trinity Bourne
I am totally captivated by your photos – swear I can taste it just by looking at those.
Sounds absolutely de-e-e-licious too. Yummy!
Amy
Thank you so much, Trinity! You made my day. 🙂
Dianne
So perfect for a hot summer’s day!
Brandie
This is the drink to have this summer during the heat wave. Light and refreshing!
Amy
Thanks Brandie! You can drink as much of it as you want since it’s sugar-free!