As we approach July, there’s one thing that pretty much all of us can count on… It’s gonna be hot. Really hot. And as picturesque as it may look outdoors — with lots of puffy, white clouds and blue skies, the fact remains… you could fry an egg on the sidewalk. You might think your only option is to barricade yourself indoors under a blanket of air-conditioning and a marathon of Lifetime movies, but here’s another one. Watermelon-Mint Agua Fresca.
Instead of sodas, which I find to be either too sweet (regular soda) or too saccharine-y (diet-soda), try a refreshing spa water recipe or this agua fresca that really refreshes.
If you like a less sweet beverage, it’s great on its own. But for a hint more oomph, I also add mint simple syrup to taste. It only takes a few minutes to make and adds another dimension.
I like using watermelon because it naturally yields a lot of juice. Four cups of melon made nearly 3 cups of liquid!
The color is also singularly spectacular. Imagine — a real fruit drink where the color doesn’t come from Red 40. You might need a double batch if there’s kids, because they will want some.
Club soda or sparkling water adds fizz like a regular soda, but you won’t get this flavor from a can of cola!
If your party is strictly grown-ups, I’ll look the other way if you want to tip some rum or tequila into the mix.
Watermelon-Mint Agua Fresca
Ingredients
For simple syrup
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves roughly chopped
For Agua Fresca
- 4 cups seedless watermelon
- club soda or sparkling water
- 1 lime cut into 8 wedges
Instructions
For the simple syrup
- In a small saucepan over medium high heat, combine sugar, water and mint, stirring occasionally until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and let steep for 10 minutes. Strain mint leaves from syrup. Discard mint. (Syrup can be refrigerated up to one week, covered)
For Watermelon Juice
- Add watermelon to blender and puree until very smooth. Place a fine mesh sieve over a small bowl or a 4-cup measure. Strain pulp from juice through the sieve, pressing on the solids with the back of a spoon to yield the most juice. Discard solids.
- Chill juice, simple syrup and club soda at least 4 hours, until very cold. (Can be done the day before).
For individual drinks
- In a glass, mix 3/4 cup watermelon juice with 1-2 tablespoons of simple syrup (or to taste). Add 1/4-1/2 cup of club soda and a squeeze of lime. Serve.
Nutrition
More Refreshing Drinks:
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- Peach Melba Sangria
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- Pineapple Green Tea Punch
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- Spicy Cucumber Kiwi Margarita
Don’t Forget To “Pin It” For Later!
Refreshing and delicious drink. I love melon.
I love agua frescas and this flavor combo sounds phenomenal! Can’t wait to try it!
Glad you like it Allison!
I love this! I have some watermelon in the fridge so might give this a try tomorrow.
The combination of watermelon and the mint – how super refreshing and delicious!
This is summer perfection! So refreshing, light and delicious Im sure!
This sounds so refreshing and perfect for the warm months (which are sure to turn scorcher level soon!). I’d also sneak some of that rum in mine. 😉
We are already in full scorcher mode!
You are right about the color – it’s beautiful! I love watermelon juice, so I know I would love this refreshing drink! And that mint syrup is a gret idea!
This SCREAMS refreshing!!!! I love it!
nice and fresh, I would have your watermelon aqua fresca over any soda or coke drinks. I will add some tequila and drink in my pool. Thank you for the idea
I’m with you!
refreshing and delicious drink. Don’t mind having that jar right now.
Yum Yum Yum!!
Watermelon screams summer! This looks like it should be made by the gallon to keep everyone happy and refreshed.
That sounds like a new business plan, thanks!
very informative post for me as I am always looking for new content that can help me and my knowledge grow better.
Yum, this does sound refreshing! I’ll have to try it for sure