Melon agua fresca

Ingredients

• 1ripe melon, peeled
• 100 g (½ cup)cane sugar
• 1.2 litres (5 cups)water
• to tasteice
• to tastemint leaves

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the melon

   Halve the melon and peel it completely, keeping the seeds.

2. 2

   Blend and strain

   Put the melon, sugar, water and seeds in a blender and blend until fully combined. Pour the mixture through a fine sieve, taste and adjust if needed. Serve over ice with mint leaves.

What is melon agua fresca?

Agua fresca is a Mexican-style fresh fruit drink, typically made by blending fruit with water and sometimes a little sugar. This melon version is a simple, cooling choice for warm weather or to serve alongside lunch or dinner.

Ripe melon brings the main flavour, while straining gives the drink a smoother texture. Keeping the melon seeds in during blending follows the original method; the fine sieve catches them afterwards.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 84 calories, 1g protein, 21g carbs, 0g fat.

The recipe's carbohydrates come mainly from the cane sugar and melon, while the melon contributes a little protein and very little fat. Serve it alongside a meal with a source of protein and vegetables for a more balanced plate.

Choose a ripe melon

Ripe melon: choose one that smells fragrant and feels heavy for its size. A well-ripened fruit gives the drink a fuller, sweeter flavour.

Blend before straining

Blending: process the melon with the water, sugar and reserved seeds until the mixture looks evenly combined. A fine sieve then removes the seeds and any coarse pulp.

Taste and adjust

Sweetness: melon ripeness varies, so taste the strained drink before serving. Adjust it to your preference, as directed in the method.

Serve it cold

Ice and mint: serve the drink over ice and add mint leaves for a fresh finish. For the best texture, pour it shortly before serving.

What to serve it with

At the table: pair this agua fresca with Mexican dishes at lunch or dinner. Its light, fruity flavour also suits a casual summer meal.

Recipe notes & tips

• Use a ripe, fragrant melon for the most pronounced fruit flavour.
• Keep the melon seeds as you cut and peel the fruit, as the method calls for blending them.
• Blend until the mixture looks evenly combined before straining.
• Use a fine sieve to catch seeds and coarse pieces.
• Taste the strained drink before serving and adjust it if needed.
• Serve over ice with mint leaves.

Variations

• Less sweet: reduce the cane sugar to suit your taste.
• Extra mint: add more mint leaves when serving for a stronger herbal note.
• Very cold: chill the strained drink before pouring it over ice.
• Smoother finish: strain the drink slowly through a fine sieve.
• Riper melon: use a very ripe melon for a sweeter fruit flavour.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Discarding the seeds too soon: keep them for blending, then remove them with the sieve.
• Skipping the sieve: strain the blended drink to catch seeds and coarse pulp.
• Adding sugar without tasting: check the strained drink first, then adjust if needed.
• Using an unripe melon: choose a fragrant, ripe fruit for fuller flavour.
• Serving it warm: pour over ice as directed.

How to store

Keep the strained agua fresca covered in the refrigerator and use it within 2 days. Stir before serving, as the mixture may separate, and pour over fresh ice.

Frequently asked questions