Agua de Melón: The Ultimate Refreshing Mexican Cantaloupe Water Recipe

One of the most beloved aguas frescas, this Agua de Melón is a incredibly refreshing and wonderfully easy-to-make Mexican drink. Crafted with just ripe cantaloupe, pure water, and a hint of honey, this naturally sweet melon water is a simple, vibrant favorite that brings back childhood memories and is perfect for enjoying all summer long.

Agua de Melón in a glass with a pitcher and flowers behind it — Enjoying a glass of homemade Agua de Melón on a sunny day.

Aguas frescas, or “fresh waters,” are traditional Mexican beverages made by blending fruits, flowers, or grains with water and often a touch of sweetener. They are a staple in Mexican cuisine, served everywhere from street food stalls to family gatherings. Popular varieties include Agua de Sandia (watermelon water), Agua de Pepino (cucumber water), and this delightful melon version. Today’s recipe for Agua de Melón stands out for its minimal ingredients, quick preparation, and its ability to perfectly highlight the sweet, juicy flavor of fresh cantaloupe, especially when it’s in peak season from June to September.

Agua de Melón holds a special place in my heart, reminding me of countless refreshing childhood summers. My mom would always prepare it with the freshest, ripest cantaloupe, offering a simple yet incredibly hydrating treat. It’s naturally packed with beneficial nutrients like vitamin C, powerful antioxidants, and essential electrolytes, making it not just delicious but also incredibly good for you. Now, I love recreating this beloved drink for my own family, and it remains a firm favorite year after year.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, looking for a healthy alternative to sugary sodas, or simply craving a taste of authentic Mexican refreshment, this homemade cantaloupe water is the perfect choice. Its vibrant color and irresistible aroma are sure to brighten any occasion.

For another delicious melon agua fresca recipe, be sure to check out our Honeydew Agua Fresca with Mint.

What Are Aguas Frescas? A Brief Introduction

Aguas frescas are more than just drinks; they are a cultural institution in Mexico, a vibrant part of everyday life. The term literally translates to “fresh waters,” and these beverages are typically light, non-alcoholic drinks made from one or two main ingredients, usually fresh fruit, blended with water and lightly sweetened. They are the epitome of simple, natural refreshment. You’ll find them served in large, clear glass barrels called “vitroleros” at markets, taquerías, and family meals across Mexico and in Latin communities worldwide.

The beauty of aguas frescas lies in their simplicity and versatility. They offer a healthier alternative to processed juices and sodas, providing natural hydration and essential vitamins. Each region, and even each family, might have its own twist on classic recipes, passed down through generations. Agua de Melón is a testament to this tradition, utilizing the natural sweetness of cantaloupe to create a perfectly balanced and incredibly thirst-quenching beverage.

The Many Benefits of Homemade Agua de Melón

Beyond its incredible taste, making your own Agua de Melón offers numerous advantages. Firstly, it’s a fantastic way to stay hydrated, especially during hot summer months, replacing lost fluids and electrolytes. Cantaloupe itself is rich in water content, making it an excellent base for a hydrating drink.

Rich in Nutrients: Cantaloupe is an excellent source of Vitamin C, which is crucial for immune function, and Vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene), important for vision and skin health. It also provides potassium, a vital electrolyte.
Antioxidant Power: The melon is packed with antioxidants like beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which help protect your cells from damage.
Naturally Sweet: When ripe, cantaloupe provides a natural sweetness, often reducing the need for excessive added sugars. This makes Agua de Melón a healthier choice compared to many store-bought beverages.
Easy to Customize: You control the sweetness and can adjust it to your preference, or even omit added sweeteners entirely if your melon is super ripe.
Family-Friendly: It’s a delicious and nutritious drink that kids and adults alike will love, making it a great alternative to sugary juices or sodas for the whole family.
Cost-Effective: Making your own fruit drinks at home is often much more economical than buying pre-made versions.

Ingredients & Substitutions

This Agua de Melón recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, focusing on the fresh, pure flavor of cantaloupe. You’ll only need a few basic ingredients:

Ripe Cantaloupe: The star of the show! Choosing a perfectly ripe melon is key to a flavorful agua fresca. Look for a cantaloupe that feels heavy for its size, has a sweet, musky aroma at the blossom end (the opposite of the stem end), and whose rind has a creamy, yellowish-orange color rather than green. A gentle press on the blossom end should yield slightly.
Water: Cold, filtered water is best to ensure a clean taste that lets the melon shine.
Honey: A touch of honey enhances the natural sweetness of the cantaloupe and adds a subtle floral note. You can also use honey simple syrup for easier blending and distribution.

Substitutions:

Sweetener: If you prefer, swap honey with cane sugar, agave nectar, maple syrup, or your preferred artificial sweetener. You can also adjust the amount or omit it entirely if your cantaloupe is exceptionally sweet.
Melon: While cantaloupe is traditional for Agua de Melón, you can easily use honeydew melon for a different, equally delicious flavor profile. For a unique blend, try a mix of cantaloupe and honeydew.
Optional Additions: A squeeze of fresh lime juice can brighten the flavors, or a few mint leaves blended in can add an extra layer of refreshment. A pinch of chili powder can also add an unexpected, intriguing twist for those who enjoy a little spice.

See the recipe card below for exact quantities and detailed instructions.

Ingredients for Mexican melon water: cantaloupe, water, honey — Simple ingredients for a delicious and refreshing Agua de Melón.

How to Make Agua de Melón: Step-by-Step

Making this refreshing cantaloupe water is incredibly straightforward. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delightful drink ready in minutes.

Chunks of cantaloupe in a mixing bowl — Freshly cut cantaloupe chunks ready for blending.

Prepare the Cantaloupe: Begin by thoroughly washing the exterior of the cantaloupe. Then, cut it into large, manageable pieces. While many prefer to remove the seeds, I highly recommend blending the cantaloupe with its seeds. Cantaloupe seeds are an excellent source of antioxidants and various nutrients, and a powerful blender will typically process them without issue. If you prefer a completely seed-free drink, feel free to scoop them out.

Chunks of cantaloupe and water in a blender — Adding cantaloupe and water to the blender.

Combine in Blender: Transfer the prepared cantaloupe pieces into a high-speed blender. Add 3 cups of cold, filtered water to the blender.

Blender filled with melon water — Blended until smooth and creamy.

Blend until Smooth: Secure the lid on your blender and process the mixture for 1-2 minutes, or until it reaches a completely smooth consistency. There should be no large chunks remaining.

Straining cantaloupe agua fresca — Straining the melon puree into a pitcher.

Strain the Mixture (Optional but Recommended): For a silky-smooth texture, pour the blended cantaloupe mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large pitcher. This step helps remove any remaining pulp or seed fragments that a standard blender might miss, ensuring a consistently smooth drink. If you used a high-powered blender like a Vitamix, straining might not be necessary as these blenders typically create an incredibly fine puree.

A pitcher with cantaloupe Agua Fresca — Finished Agua de Melón in a pitcher, ready to serve.

Adjust Sweetness and Serve: Stir in the remaining 2 cups of cold water into the pitcher. Give it a taste. If you prefer a sweeter drink, add honey (starting with 1-2 tablespoons) or your chosen sweetener, stirring until it’s fully dissolved and the desired sweetness is achieved. For optimal refreshment, refrigerate the Agua de Melón for 30 minutes to an hour to chill thoroughly, or serve it immediately over plenty of ice. Garnish with a few small diced cantaloupe pieces or a lime wedge for an extra touch of elegance and flavor.

Tips for the Best Agua de Melón

To ensure your homemade Agua de Melón is absolutely perfect every time, consider these helpful tips:

Choose the Ripest Melon: This cannot be stressed enough. The flavor of your agua fresca is directly proportional to the ripeness of your cantaloupe. A ripe melon will have a distinct sweet aroma and a slightly soft spot at the blossom end.
Chill Your Ingredients: Using cold water and chilling your blended mixture before serving makes a huge difference. A well-chilled drink is far more refreshing.
Taste and Adjust: Always taste your agua fresca before serving. Cantaloupe sweetness varies, so you might need more or less sweetener than suggested. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to balance the sweetness if needed.
Don’t Waste the Pulp: If you strain your agua fresca and have leftover pulp, don’t throw it away! You can use it in smoothies, add it to yogurt, or even mix it into baked goods like muffins for added moisture and flavor.
Ice, Ice Baby: Serve your Agua de Melón over plenty of ice. This not only keeps it cold but also dilutes it slightly as the ice melts, making it even more refreshing.
Experiment with Garnishes: Beyond diced melon, consider fresh mint sprigs, a slice of lime or orange, or even a sprinkle of Tajín for a sweet and spicy kick.

Variations and Customizations

While the classic Agua de Melón is delicious on its own, don’t hesitate to get creative and experiment with different flavor combinations:

Fruity Blends: Combine cantaloupe with other fruits like strawberries, pineapple, or mango for a multi-layered flavor.
Herbal Infusions: Add fresh mint, basil, or even a hint of ginger during blending for an aromatic twist.
Spicy Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, a pinch of chili powder or a thin slice of jalapeño (remove seeds for less heat) can add an exciting dimension.
Sparkling Agua Fresca: For a celebratory touch, replace some of the water with sparkling water or club soda just before serving.
Adult Version: Turn it into a delicious cocktail by adding a splash of tequila, white rum, or vodka.

Recommended for This Recipe

Vitamix Blender

I rely on my high-powered Vitamix blender daily for its exceptional blending capabilities. It processes fruits and vegetables so finely that straining this agua fresca often becomes unnecessary, saving you time and ensuring you retain all the beneficial fiber.

View Product

Storing Your Agua de Melón

Agua de Melón is best enjoyed fresh, but you can certainly store leftovers for a few days. Pour the prepared drink into a covered bottle or a pitcher with a tight lid. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, give it a good shake or stir, as some of the pulp might settle at the bottom. The flavor might mellow slightly over time, but it will still be wonderfully refreshing.

Glass with agua de melon with flowers beside it — A beautiful glass of Agua de Melón, perfect for any occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How do I pick a perfectly ripe cantaloupe?: A: Look for a melon that feels heavy for its size. The rind should have a creamy, yellowish-orange background color, not green. It should also have a sweet, musky aroma at the blossom end (the end opposite the stem). A gentle press on the blossom end should give slightly.
Q: Can I use other types of melon?: A: Absolutely! While this recipe specifically calls for cantaloupe (melón in Spanish), you can easily substitute it with honeydew melon for a slightly different, equally delicious flavor. You can also mix different melons.
Q: Do I have to strain the agua fresca?: A: Straining is optional but recommended for a perfectly smooth drink, especially if you blend with the seeds or use a less powerful blender. If you have a high-speed blender like a Vitamix, it might not be necessary as it can achieve a very fine consistency.
Q: How long does Agua de Melón last in the refrigerator?: A: When stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator, Agua de Melón will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Always give it a good stir or shake before serving.
Q: Can I make Agua de Melón without added sugar or honey?: A: Yes! If your cantaloupe is perfectly ripe and naturally sweet, you might find that no additional sweetener is needed. Taste the mixture after blending and adjust to your preference. This makes it an even healthier option.
Q: Can I prepare Agua de Melón ahead of time for a party?: A: Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Store it in a pitcher with a lid in the refrigerator. Just be sure to stir or shake it well before serving. For the freshest taste, making it on the day of your event is ideal.

Agua de Melón (Mexican Melon Water)

One of the most popular aguas frescas, this Agua de Melón is a refreshing and easy-to-make Mexican drink. With just cantaloupe, water and a little honey, this naturally sweet melon water is a simple childhood favorite I still make all summer long.

Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 10 mins

Course: Drinks | Cuisine: Mexican

Servings: 6 servings | Calories: 53 kcal per serving

Equipment

Blender
Fine mesh sieve (optional, if not using a high-powered blender)
Pitcher

Ingredients

1 medium ripe cantaloupe
¼ cup honey (or sweetener of choice, adjust to taste)
5 cups cold water, divided
Ice for serving

Instructions

Wash and cut the cantaloupe into large chunks. I recommend blending the cantaloupe with the seeds as they are a great source of antioxidants and nutrients, but you can certainly remove them if you prefer.
Add 3 cups of cold water and cantaloupe pieces to a blender.
Blend for 1-2 minutes until smooth.
Strain (especially if you blended with the seeds) using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any remaining pulp or seeds. If using a high-powered blender, straining may not be necessary.
Pour into a large pitcher and stir in the remaining 2 cups of water.
Taste. If a sweeter result is desired, then stir in 1-2 tablespoons of honey at a time until desired sweetness is reached.
Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour until cold.
Serve cold and over ice if desired.

Notes

If your melon is ripe, you may choose not to add any sweetener. However, honey adds depth to the sweetness of the cantaloupe, resulting in a more well-rounded drink.
You can substitute the honey for simple syrup, cane sugar, agave nectar or your preferred sweetener.
For an extra zing, a squeeze of fresh lime juice can be added to the finished drink.

Nutrition

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Originally posted on July 6, 2023; Updated post August 2024 and May 2025.

I hope you truly enjoy making and sipping on this delightful Agua de Melón! If you try this recipe, please leave me a comment with a star rating below. Also, be sure to follow me on Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest to stay in touch, and don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for more delicious Latin-inspired recipes!