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.
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
Blend the ingredients
Put the watermelon, coconut water and mint in a blender. Blend until the mixture is well broken up.
- 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.
| Portion | Adjustment | kcal | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lighter | Use less coconut water | 40 kcal | 1g | 9g | 0g |
| This serving | As written | 57 kcal | 1g | 13g | 0g |
| Hungry | Serve with a snack | 86 kcal | 2g | 20g | 0g |
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.com