Agua de sandia is the kind of drink that turns an ordinary summer day into something memorable. It’s made from juicy watermelon blended with lime, mint, sugar, and ice—a simple recipe that feels like a backyard breeze in a glass. I’m Riley Thompson, a self-taught cook who believes great recipes come from everyday ingredients. In this article, I’ll share my personal connection to this drink, walk you through how to make it step by step, and explain why it’s not only refreshing but good for you. I’ll also link you to other agua fresca and horchata latte from Slow Cooker Cowboy.
Table of Contents
Agua de Sandia Recipe: Sweet, Simple, and Perfectly Refreshing
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Agua de sandia is a light, sweet, and naturally hydrating watermelon agua fresca perfect for hot summer days.
Ingredients
4 cups cubed seeded watermelon
½ cup water
½ cup white sugar (or to taste)
4 slices fresh lime
24 fresh mint leaves
8 cups ice (or as needed)
Instructions
Cut watermelon into cubes and remove seeds.
Add watermelon and water to blender.
Blend until smooth.
Add sugar and blend again briefly.
Add lime slices and torn mint leaves; stir well.
Pour over ice and serve immediately.
Notes
Use chilled watermelon to reduce the need for extra ice.
Adjust sugar to taste based on watermelon sweetness.
Strain for a smoother texture or serve with pulp.
Can be stored in fridge for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Blender
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 65
- Sugar: 13
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: agua de sandia, watermelon agua fresca, summer drink, Watermelon, mint
The Story & Intro — Why Agua de Sandia Means Summer to Me
The taste of summer in a glass
Agua de sandia is the first thing I reach for when the air turns thick and the sun refuses to quit. One summer, during a heatwave that felt never-ending, I blended watermelon with a little lime, sugar, and ice. I didn’t follow any rules—I just trusted my gut. The result was a chilled, vibrant pink drink that cooled me down instantly. That’s the magic of agua de sandia. It’s not complicated. It’s not fussy. It’s just pure, juicy refreshment that anyone can make.
Rooted in simplicity, made for sharing
Growing up, meals were simple. My mom worked long hours, so we relied on what we had. But Saturday mornings were different. We’d bake together—banana bread, mostly—and turn the kitchen into a mess of flour and laughter. That’s where I first learned that food could feel like home. Years later, standing in my own kitchen with a blender full of watermelon, I felt that same comfort again.
Agua de sandia reminds me that good recipes don’t have to be perfect—they just need to feel right. It’s a drink that doesn’t ask for much. Watermelon, lime, a bit of sugar, and some ice. You can strain it or leave it pulpy. You can dress it up with mint or keep it bare. Either way, it works.
I’ve made agua de sandia for barbecues, lazy afternoons, even after long shifts at the co-op. It never disappoints. And every time I pour it over ice, I think about how the simplest things often bring the most joy. If you’re looking for something that’s easy, affordable, and perfect for warm weather, this one’s it.
Ingredients & Preparation — How to Make Agua de Sandia Step by Step
Gather your ingredients first
Before you start blending, make sure everything is prepped. Agua de sandia comes together quickly, so having your ingredients ready saves time and effort. Here’s how to get started.
Step 1: Choose ripe watermelon
Pick a sweet, juicy watermelon for the best flavor. Cut it into chunks and remove all the seeds. You’ll need about 4 cups of cubed watermelon for this recipe. The sweeter your melon, the less sugar you’ll need later on.
Step 2: Add to blender with water
Place the cubed watermelon into your blender. Add ½ cup of water to help it blend smoothly. Don’t overdo the water—agua de sandia should be light, not watery.
Step 3: Blend until smooth
Blend on high speed for about 30 seconds until everything is liquid. If your blender isn’t strong, blend in batches. The goal is a smooth mixture without large chunks.
Step 4: Sweeten to taste
Add ½ cup of white sugar and blend again briefly. If your watermelon is already super sweet, use less. Taste as you go. Agua de sandia should be naturally sweet, not syrupy.
Step 5: Add fresh lime and mint
Slice one fresh lime and add a few pieces to the pitcher. Tear up mint leaves—about 24 total—and stir them in. They add a burst of freshness that lifts the drink.
Step 6: Pour over ice and serve
Fill glasses with plenty of ice and pour the blended agua de sandia over the top. Stir gently to combine. You can strain it through a fine mesh sieve if you prefer a smoother texture, but this step is optional.
Cooking Notes & Nutritional Information — Customizing Your Agua de Sandia
Adjust the flavor to your liking
One of the best things about agua de sandia is how flexible it is. Start with a ripe watermelon and you may not need much sugar at all. If you’re avoiding refined sugar, you can swap in honey, agave syrup, or even coconut sugar. Each sweetener adds a subtle twist to the drink’s final flavor.
If you’re someone who loves citrus, add an extra squeeze of fresh lime. Want it bolder? Drop in more mint leaves or even a pinch of salt to enhance the natural sweetness. Agua de sandia can also be upgraded with a splash of sparkling water for a fizzy finish. That way, it doubles as a mocktail at your next summer gathering.
Know what you’re drinking
Agua de sandia isn’t just refreshing—it’s also fairly low in calories and naturally hydrating. Watermelon is about 90% water, making this drink an excellent choice to cool off without adding heavy sugars or artificial flavors. The recipe can be tweaked to meet dietary needs, and its low-calorie content makes it suitable for a wide range of lifestyles.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional profile for one serving:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 65 |
| Sugar | 13g |
| Carbohydrates | 17g |
| Fat | 0g |
| Fiber | <1g |
Tips & Serving Suggestions — Making Agua de Sandia Shine
Tips for the perfect pitcher every time
Making a great batch of agua de sandia isn’t just about blending—it’s about balance. Start with room temperature fruit if possible; it blends better and brings out the full flavor. If your watermelon tastes bland, don’t worry—just add a touch more sugar or an extra squeeze of lime to liven it up. You can also enhance it with other fruits like strawberries or cucumber for an unexpected twist.
Another tip: chill your watermelon chunks in the fridge before blending. This helps keep your agua de sandia cold and refreshing without needing to water it down with extra ice. Want a smoother drink? Use a fine strainer if you’d rather leave the pulp out for a smoother sip. Prefer texture? Skip the strainer and pour it straight into your glass.
How to serve, store, and enjoy
Serve agua de sandia in tall glasses over lots of ice. Garnish with a slice of lime, a sprig of fresh mint, or even a few chunks of frozen watermelon as natural ice cubes. If you’re entertaining, pour it into a large glass pitcher so guests can see the vibrant pink color—it always draws attention.
This drink is best enjoyed fresh, but you can make it ahead of time. Store it in a covered pitcher in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just give it a good stir before serving, as natural separation will occur. If you’re making a large batch, consider freezing some in ice cube trays. These flavored cubes can chill the drink later without watering it down.
Conclusion — Why Agua de Sandia Belongs in Your Summer Routine
Agua de sandia is more than just a drink—it’s a seasonal ritual. From its vibrant color to its crisp, cooling taste, it checks every box for summer refreshment. You don’t need fancy equipment or ingredients. Just a ripe watermelon, a blender, and a few minutes of prep. That’s it.
As someone who learned to cook by doing, I love how accessible agua de sandia is. It’s a recipe that invites experimentation—add mint, swap sweeteners, or blend in other fruits. However you make it, the result is always satisfying.
If you’ve never tried agua de sandia, now’s the perfect time. Use what you have, enjoy the process, and don’t stress over perfection. Summer drinks should be simple, bold, and joyful—and this one delivers every time.
For more recipes follow me in Pinterest & Facebook
FAQ Section — Common Questions About Agua de Sandia
What is in watermelon agua fresca?
Watermelon agua fresca, or agua de sandia, typically contains fresh watermelon, water, sugar, lime juice, and sometimes mint. It’s a light, fruit-forward drink that blends everything until smooth. Some recipes strain it, others keep the pulp for texture.
Is watermelon fresca good for you?
Yes, agua de sandia is naturally hydrating and low in calories, especially if you reduce or skip added sugar. Watermelon is about 90% water and contains antioxidants like lycopene, making it a smart choice for hot days or post-workout refreshment.
What fruits are good in agua fresca?
Agua fresca works beautifully with many fruits. Besides watermelon, you can use cantaloupe, honeydew, pineapple, strawberries, mango, or even cucumber for a more herbal twist. Just blend with water, sweeten to taste, and strain if preferred.
Is agua fresca a healthy drink?
Agua fresca, including agua de sandia, can be very healthy when made with fresh fruit and limited sugar. It’s a great alternative to soda or artificially sweetened beverages, especially when served cold on warm days.