Watermelon coconut agua fresca

1g protein · 5 min · 57 kcal

Watermelon coconut agua fresca

A quick Mexican-inspired agua fresca blending ripe watermelon with coconut water and mint. It takes just five minutes to make and is especially refreshing served cold over ice.

5 min2 servings57 kcal

Ingredients

  • 225 g (1 1/2 cups)watermelon, red flesh only, diced
  • 240 ml (1 cup)coconut water
  • 2mint leaves
  • A fewice cubes

Instructions

  1. 1

    Blend the ingredients

    Put the watermelon, coconut water and mint in a blender. Blend until the mixture is well broken up.

  2. 2

    Strain and serve

    Strain the drink into two glasses, each with a few ice cubes.

What is agua fresca?

Agua fresca is a light, fruit-based drink associated with Mexico, usually made by blending fruit with water and serving it chilled. This version pairs watermelon with coconut water for a simple, thirst-quenching drink.

Watermelon brings sweetness and colour, while a couple of mint leaves add a fresh, fragrant note. Straining gives the drink a smoother finish.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 57 calories, 1g protein, 13g carbs, 0g fat.

PortionAdjustmentkcalProteinCarbsFat
LighterUse less coconut water40 kcal1g9g0g
This servingAs written57 kcal1g13g0g
HungryServe with a snack86 kcal2g20g0g

The watermelon supplies most of the carbohydrates, while coconut water adds a small amount of carbohydrate and the mint contributes very little. The listed nutrition is low in fat and modest in protein; pair a glass with a protein-containing snack or meal for a more substantial serving.

Choosing the watermelon

Ripe fruit: Choose fragrant watermelon with juicy red flesh, and remove any rind before dicing. Its natural sweetness is the main flavour in this short ingredient list.

Even pieces: Dice the watermelon into manageable chunks so it blends quickly and evenly.

Coconut water and mint

Coconut water: Use it chilled if you want the drink cold straight from the blender. It provides the liquid base without overpowering the watermelon.

Mint: Two leaves are enough for a subtle herbal lift. Blend them with the fruit so their flavour is distributed through the drink.

Blending and straining

Blend well: Process everything until the watermelon is broken down and the liquid looks evenly mixed. The recipe is brief, so there is no need to prepare a separate syrup.

Strain gently: Pour the mixture through a sieve into the glasses to catch pulp. Pressing the pulp through will make the drink less clear.

Serving it cold

Ice in each glass: Add a few cubes before pouring, as directed, for a chilled serve. If the ingredients are already cold, the ice will dilute the drink more slowly.

Serve promptly: The drink is at its freshest just after blending, while the watermelon flavour is bright and the texture is well mixed.

What to serve with it

A glass works well alongside a savoury lunch, grilled food or a light snack. Its fruity, gently sweet flavour offers a refreshing contrast to salty or spicy dishes.

For a simple presentation, pour into chilled glasses and add a small mint leaf if you have one to hand.

Recipe notes & tips

  • Chill the watermelon and coconut water beforehand for a colder drink.
  • Remove any seeds you can see before blending.
  • Use a fine sieve for a smoother, clearer finish.
  • Taste the blended drink before serving; the sweetness depends on the watermelon.
  • Pour over ice just before drinking to limit dilution.

Variations

  • Lime: Blend in a squeeze of lime juice for a sharper, citrusy finish.
  • More mint: Add another leaf or two for a more pronounced herbal flavour.
  • Sparkling finish: Top each glass with a splash of sparkling water after straining.
  • Frozen fruit: Use frozen watermelon pieces for a colder, slushier drink.
  • Less pulp: Strain the drink through a fine sieve for a lighter texture.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Using unripe melon: The drink may taste bland; choose fragrant, ripe red flesh.
  • Adding too much mint: Its flavour can dominate; start with the two leaves listed.
  • Stopping the blender too soon: Large pieces may remain; blend until the fruit is well broken up.
  • Skipping the strainer: The drink will retain more pulp; strain into the glasses as directed.
  • Leaving it to stand: The texture can separate; stir briefly before serving if needed.

How to store

Keep any leftover drink covered in the fridge and use it within a day for the best flavour. Stir before serving, then pour over fresh ice; freezing is not recommended for the smoothest texture.

Frequently asked questions

Can I make this without a strainer?

Yes. It will be thicker and pulpier, but you can pour it straight from the blender into the glasses.

Can I prepare it ahead?

You can blend it a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Stir before serving, as the ingredients may separate.

Can I use frozen watermelon?

Yes. Frozen watermelon makes the drink colder and thicker, so blend until smooth and adjust the texture with a little extra coconut water if needed.

Do I need to add sugar?

Not necessarily: ripe watermelon often provides enough sweetness. Taste the drink first and only sweeten it if you prefer.

What can I use instead of coconut water?

Plain cold water works as a simple substitute, though the drink will have a less distinct flavour. Blend and taste before serving.

Cook it from the original

This recipe comes from carolinescooking.com. Their page has the author’s own photos, notes and tips — the best place to cook it from.

Open the recipe on carolinescooking.comOpens in a new tab
Calori App Free download Install