Refreshing Watermelon Strawberry Agua Fresca: Your Ultimate Guide to a Perfect Summer Drink
Beat the summer heat with this irresistibly delicious and vibrant Watermelon Strawberry Agua Fresca. This easy-to-make Mexican beverage transforms simple, fresh ingredients into a thirst-quenching delight in just 10 minutes. Combining the natural sweetness of juicy watermelon with the bright, tangy zest of ripe strawberries, this agua fresca is not only bursting with incredible flavor but also packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It’s the ideal homemade drink for sunny days, backyard barbecues, or any moment you crave a naturally sweet and hydrating refreshment.
My love affair with aguas frescas runs deep, particularly with the classic Agua de Sandia. The pure, refreshing taste of watermelon has always held a special place in my heart, inspiring me to continuously explore new flavor combinations. This culinary journey led to the creation of delightful variations like the Cucumber Watermelon Agua Fresca, which beautifully balances crispness with sweet melon notes.
Today, I am thrilled to introduce you to my latest innovation: a captivating blend of watermelon and strawberries. This pairing is a match made in heaven, bringing together the natural, mellow sweetness of ripe watermelon with the vibrant, slightly tart acidity of fresh strawberries. The result is an agua fresca that is profoundly delicious, incredibly easy to prepare, and wonderfully refreshing. It’s more than just a drink; it’s a celebration of summer’s bounty, offering a nourishing boost of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants like vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering, enjoying a quiet afternoon on the patio, or simply looking for a healthy and hydrating alternative to sugary sodas, this Watermelon Strawberry Agua Fresca is sure to become a new favorite. Let me guide you through the simple steps to create this vibrant beverage.
Aguas frescas, meaning “fresh waters” in Spanish, are light, non-alcoholic beverages made from fruits, cereals, flowers, or seeds blended with sugar and water. They are a staple in Mexican cuisine, cherished for their ability to cool and refresh, especially in warmer climates. The beauty of aguas frescas lies in their simplicity, allowing the natural flavors of the main ingredients to shine through. This watermelon and strawberry concoction is a testament to that tradition, offering a modern twist on a beloved classic while staying true to its refreshing essence.
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For other amazing drinks featuring strawberries, try Creamy Strawberry Agua Fresca, Agua de Fresa (Classic Strawberry Agua Fresca), Pineapple Strawberry Agua Fresca and Strawberry Mango Agua Fresca.
Essential Ingredients & Smart Substitutions for Your Agua Fresca
Crafting the perfect Watermelon Strawberry Agua Fresca starts with selecting high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that vibrant flavor and refreshing balance. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and how to make smart substitutions:
- Watermelon: The star of the show! For the sweetest and most flavorful agua fresca, always opt for a ripe watermelon. Whether you choose seedless or seeded varieties, ensure it’s firm and heavy. Watermelon provides a significant source of hydration, vitamins A and C, and a powerful antioxidant called lycopene.
- Strawberries: These berries add a delightful tang and a boost of vibrant color and nutrients. Like watermelon, ripe strawberries are key for the best flavor. They are packed with vitamin C, manganese, and antioxidants. Fresh is always best, but if fresh aren’t available, frozen strawberries can be used; just be sure to thaw them slightly before blending.
- Fresh Lime Juice: A squeeze of fresh lime juice is absolutely essential. It brightens the flavors, balances the sweetness of the fruits, and adds a zesty, refreshing kick that elevates the drink. Do not skip this! Freshly squeezed is always superior to bottled lime juice.
- Cold Water: Simple, filtered water is all you need. Using cold water from the start helps achieve a perfectly chilled drink faster.
- Ice: Adding ice during the blending process helps achieve that slushy, perfectly cold consistency. It also ensures your agua fresca is ready to drink immediately.
- Sweetener (Optional): The need for a sweetener largely depends on the ripeness and natural sweetness of your watermelon and strawberries. I prefer honey for its mild flavor and added health benefits, which complements the fruits without overpowering them. However, organic cane sugar or a simple syrup (made by dissolving equal parts sugar in hot water, then cooling) are also excellent options. You can also experiment with agave nectar for a vegan alternative. Always taste before adding, and adjust to your preference.
See the recipe card below for exact quantities.
How to Choose the Sweetest Ripe Watermelon
The secret to an exceptional agua fresca often lies in the quality of your fruit. A perfectly ripe watermelon will make all the difference, delivering maximum sweetness and juiciness. Here’s what to look for when picking your watermelon:
- The “Field Spot” Test: Turn the watermelon over and look for a large, creamy yellow spot on its underside. This “field spot” is where the watermelon rested on the ground as it ripened. A darker, more yellowish spot indicates that the melon had plenty of time to sweeten on the vine. Avoid watermelons with white or greenish spots, as they were likely picked too early.
- Heavy for Its Size: Lift the watermelon. A ripe watermelon should feel surprisingly heavy for its size. This weight indicates a high water content, which means it’s juicy and sweet.
- Dry Stem or Tendril: Check the stem. A dry, shriveled stem or tendril signifies that the watermelon is mature and has detached naturally from the vine. If the stem is green and fresh, it was likely picked prematurely and won’t be as ripe.
- Webbing or “Sugar Spots”: Look for brown, web-like scarring or lines on the watermelon’s surface. These “sugar spots” are scars created by bees during pollination, and more scarring often correlates with a sweeter fruit. Don’t be deterred by them; they’re a good sign!
- Listen to the Thump: Gently tap the watermelon with your knuckles. A ripe watermelon should produce a deep, hollow sound. If it sounds dull or dense, it might be overripe or underripe, respectively.
How to Choose Perfectly Ripe Strawberries
Just like with watermelon, selecting ripe strawberries is crucial for a flavorful and naturally sweet agua fresca. Here’s how to pick the best berries:
- Vibrant Color: Look for strawberries that are bright red all over, from tip to stem. Avoid berries with white or green patches, especially near the stem, as these indicate they weren’t fully ripened. Strawberries do not ripen further after being picked, so what you see is what you get.
- Firm but Slightly Soft Texture: Ripe strawberries should feel firm yet yield slightly to a gentle squeeze. Avoid any that are mushy, overly soft, or shriveled, as these are signs of overripeness or spoilage. Conversely, very hard berries are likely underripe.
- Sweet Fragrant Aroma: Give the strawberries a good sniff! Ripe strawberries will have a distinctly sweet and fragrant aroma. If they smell sour, moldy, or have no scent at all, they may not be ripe or are past their prime.
- Size Matters: While larger isn’t always better, medium to large strawberries are generally considered to be the sweetest and juiciest. Extremely small berries might be less flavorful, while excessively large ones can sometimes be watery.
- Bright Green Caps: The green caps (calyx) should be fresh, vibrant, and firmly attached. Dull or dried-out caps can indicate older berries.
Easy Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Watermelon: Begin by thoroughly washing the exterior of your watermelon. Carefully slice it into manageable pieces, then remove the rind and cut the pink flesh into large, easy-to-blend cubes. If your watermelon has seeds, you can remove as many as possible at this stage, though a powerful blender can often handle small seeds without issue.
- Prep the Strawberries: Rinse your fresh strawberries under cold water. Gently remove the green stems and hulls from each berry. You can use a small paring knife or a strawberry huller for this. Once hulled, slice or cut the strawberries into fourths to facilitate easier blending.
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer the prepared watermelon cubes and quartered strawberries into a high-powered blender. Add the fresh lime juice, cold water, and a cup of ice. Ensure not to overfill your blender; you may need to blend in batches if your blender capacity is small.
- Blend and Sweeten (Optional): Secure the lid on your blender and blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and no large fruit chunks remain. Once blended, taste the agua fresca. If your fruit wasn’t sweet enough, or you prefer a sweeter drink, add 1-2 tablespoons of your chosen sweetener (like honey or sugar). Blend again briefly to fully incorporate the sweetener.
- Strain if Needed: For an exceptionally smooth and pulp-free texture, you may choose to strain the blended mixture. Pour it through a fine mesh sieve or a cheesecloth lined over a large pitcher. Gently press the solids with a spoon to extract all the liquid. If you’re using a high-powered blender like a Vitamix, straining might not be necessary as these blenders typically achieve a remarkably smooth consistency.
- Chill and Serve: Once blended (and strained, if desired), pour your Watermelon Strawberry Agua Fresca into a pitcher or a glass bottle. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until thoroughly chilled. When ready to serve, fill individual glasses with ice. Pour the cold agua fresca over the ice. To prevent diluting the entire batch, avoid adding ice directly to the pitcher if you plan to store it for a longer period. For an extra touch, garnish each glass with a fresh slice of watermelon, a strawberry, or a sprig of mint. You can also mix in small pieces of watermelon and/or strawberries directly into the pitcher for added texture and visual appeal.
How to Store Your Watermelon Strawberry Agua Fresca
Proper storage is key to maintaining the freshness and flavor of your homemade agua fresca. Once prepared, transfer the drink into an airtight bottle or pitcher. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. While it’s best enjoyed fresh, the flavors can sometimes meld and deepen slightly over the first day. It’s natural for some of the fruit pulp to settle at the bottom over time. Simply give the bottle or pitcher a good shake or stir before serving to redistribute the pulp and ensure a consistent taste and texture.
Recommended Equipment for This Recipe
Vitamix Blender
A high-powered blender is an invaluable tool for making aguas frescas. I personally use my Vitamix almost daily, and it excels at blending fruits into such a smooth consistency that straining becomes entirely optional. This saves time and ensures maximum nutrient retention.
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Tips & Creative Variations for Your Agua Fresca
This Watermelon Strawberry Agua Fresca is delicious as is, but it’s also incredibly versatile! Here are some tips and ideas to customize your drink:
- Infuse with Fresh Herbs: For an aromatic twist, try adding a few fresh mint leaves or a sprig of basil to the blender with the fruit. Mint offers a cool, invigorating note, while basil can introduce a surprising, savory-sweet depth that pairs beautifully with berries.
- Make Refreshing Paletas: Don’t let any leftover agua fresca go to waste! Pour the mixture into popsicle molds and freeze for a few hours (or overnight) to create homemade, healthy fruit popsicles, known as “paletas” in Mexico. They are a delightful frozen treat, especially for kids.
- Adult Beverages & Mocktails: This agua fresca makes an excellent base for both cocktails and mocktails.
- Cocktail: For an adult twist, add a splash of your favorite clear spirit. Tequila Blanco, vodka, or even white rum would complement the fruit flavors beautifully. Mix with a shot (1.5 oz) per glass.
- Mocktail: For a sparkling non-alcoholic option, top off your glass with sparkling water, club soda, or even a lemon-lime soda for extra fizz and a touch of sweetness.
- Boost with Other Fruits: While watermelon and strawberry are a fantastic duo, feel free to experiment with other fruits. A handful of fresh mango chunks, pineapple, or even a few slices of cucumber can add new dimensions of flavor and nutrition. Remember to adjust sweetness as needed.
- Add a Health Kick with Chia Seeds: Stir in a tablespoon of chia seeds after blending (or after straining, if you choose to strain). Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the chia seeds to absorb liquid and create a slightly thicker, more textured drink with added fiber and omega-3s.
- Spice it Up with Ginger: For a subtle warmth and a digestive boost, add a small piece (about a 1-inch knob, peeled) of fresh ginger to the blender. It adds a lovely, refreshing zing that contrasts nicely with the fruit.
- Make it Creamy (Dairy-Free): For a creamier texture without dairy, blend in a quarter cup of coconut milk or a few tablespoons of coconut cream. This adds richness and a hint of tropical flavor, reminiscent of horchata but fruit-based.
I truly hope you enjoy making and savoring this delightful Watermelon Strawberry Agua Fresca! If you try this recipe, please leave me a commentwith a star rating below to let me know what you think. Your feedback is incredibly valuable! Also, be sure to follow me on Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest to stay in touch and discover more delicious recipes. Don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive content and updates straight to your inbox.
Watermelon Strawberry Agua Fresca Recipe
Watermelon Strawberry Agua Fresca
by Gemma Aguayo-Murphy
Pin Recipe
Equipment
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Blender (High-Powered Recommended)
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Fine Mesh Sieve (Optional)
Ingredients
- 5 cups watermelon cut into 1-inch cubes, seedless preferred for ease
- 2 cups strawberries washed, hulled, and quartered
- 1 lime juice of, about 2 tablespoons
- 2 cups cold filtered water
- 1 cup ice plus more for serving
- 1-2 tablespoons sweetener of choice such as honey, cane sugar, or agave, adjust to taste
Instructions
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Add the cold water, cubed watermelon, quartered strawberries, freshly squeezed lime juice, and 1 cup of ice to your blender. Ensure the blender is not overfilled.
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Blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and no visible fruit chunks remain.
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Taste the blended agua fresca. Depending on the sweetness of your fruit, you may wish to add a sweetener. If so, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of your preferred sweetener (honey, cane sugar, or agave) and blend again briefly until fully incorporated.
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For an exceptionally smooth texture, you can strain the blended mixture through a fine mesh sieve or a cheesecloth. If you’re using a high-powered blender, such as a Vitamix, straining is often unnecessary as these blenders produce a very fine consistency.
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Pour the agua fresca into a large pitcher or glass bottle. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to ensure it’s thoroughly chilled.
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Serve over fresh ice in individual glasses. Garnish each glass with a slice of watermelon, a fresh strawberry, or a sprig of mint for an elegant touch. Remember, to prevent dilution of the entire batch, avoid adding ice directly to the pitcher if you plan to store leftovers.
Notes
- The amount of sweetener needed is highly dependent on the natural sweetness of your watermelon and strawberries. Always taste the blended mixture before adding any sweetener.
- Start with 1 tablespoon of your chosen sweetener, blend, and taste. If you desire more sweetness, add the second tablespoon and blend again. It’s easier to add more than to correct an overly sweet drink.
- For best results, use chilled ingredients and cold water to ensure your agua fresca is refreshingly cool immediately.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Shake well before serving as pulp may settle.