How To Make Watermelon Water (Agua de Sandia)

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The refreshing taste of summer, all in a glass! With its fresh and juicy fruity flavor, this drink is perfect for hot days at the beach. Share this fresh Watermelon Water with friends, enjoy it with your picnic lunch, or as an afternoon pick-me-up at home. It only takes ten minutes to make!

Two glasses of watermelon water by a pitcher on a round platter with half a lime.

This recipe was inspired by my last visit to Costa Rica, where I first tried a delicious Tamarind Margarita cocktail. Another non-alcoholic drink you're sure to enjoy is this refreshing and stunning Blue Lagoon Mocktail.

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How to Pick a Ripe Watermelon
How To Cut a Watermelon
Is Watermelon Water Healthy?
Ingredients
Substitutions and Variations
How to Make Watermelon Water
Expert Tip
Storage
Recipe FAQs
More Vegan Summer Recipes
Recipe
Comments

My husband and I went to this great restaurant in Costa Rica by the seaside one day, where Aguas Frescas were made fresh in front of us. My husband and I were going through all these amazing flavors, trying to decide which ones sounded best - and it was hard because there were so many good choices.

Finally, we tried a variety that left my mouth watering for more: Agua de Sandia - it tasted like summertime! I learned that Agua Fresca means fresh water, and Agua de Sandia means watermelon water. Another refreshing drink you'll enjoy is this Sparkling Cranberry Mocktail. If you want something frosty, you'll love these Creamy Coconut Popsicles!

I couldn't wait to recreate this hydrating and cooling beverage with no added sugar at home! This Vegan Strawberry Milk with Cashews contains no added sugar as well. Every time I take a sip of Agua de Sandia, I am transported back to the ocean vistas of Costa Rica with toucans and macaws flying overhead.

How to Pick a Ripe Watermelon

This delicious summer fruit is in peak season from May to September. The color of the watermelon can indicate its ripeness.

Choose a heavy watermelon. Pick it up - it should feel heavier than it looks, which means it has high water content, indicating a sweeter one.
Green stripes should be deep green in order to show that it has fully matured, while pale yellowish stripes should be creamy yellow.
Look for one that is round and evenly shaped; it's likely to be sweeter than oval ones, which tend to be watery and less flavorful.
Take a look at all the sides. You may have an extra sweet watermelon if you see dry spots and vein-like webbing lines! These dry spots show where sugar has been coming out of the fruit. Steer clear of any irregular lumps.
Look for the field spot, which is the large, discolored spot on the surface, indicating where the watermelon was on the ground as it ripened. The color of the field spot should be creamy and yellow. If it's white or light yellow, you may want to keep looking.

How To Cut a Watermelon

Wash the watermelon in cool running tap water to remove surface debris before cutting it for eating, and then pat it dry with a clean towel. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before cutting the watermelon.

First, cut off the ends. Then stand the watermelon on its side as you remove the rind. If your watermelon is huge like ours was (thirty pounds), cut it in half before attempting to stand it on its side. Refer to this video for directions.

Cut it in half once the rind is removed and place the flat side down. Now you are ready to cut the fruit into slices, and then cut each slice into 1-inch to 2-inch cubes.

Is Watermelon Water Healthy?

Unlike your favorite sports drink, homemade Watermelon Water has clean ingredients and no artificial colors, flavors, or artificial sweeteners.

This melon has many health benefits; it contains natural electrolytes such as potassium and magnesium and contains nutrients including lycopene, carotenoids, antioxidants, vitamin A, vitamin B6, and vitamin C.

Because of its high water content from watermelon juice, it is low in calories. Did you know that this fruit is 92% water?

It may have anticancer effects, and it may support heart health. Since it contains lycopene, it may reduce blood pressure and help lower cholesterol. It also contains an amino acid called citrulline, which may increase nitric oxide levels in the body, helping blood vessels expand and lowering blood pressure.

We are on vacation right now and just made this to drink while hanging out by the pool. Everyone loved it! We are going to try it with honeydew tomorrow. Great recipe.

- Lisa

Ingredients

You only need a few ingredients to make this incredibly refreshing Watermelon Water.

I prefer not to add sugar; I do not think it is needed with ripe and naturally sweet watermelon, although it was added to the Agua de Sandia and other Aguas Frescas I enjoyed in Costa Rica.

Chopped ripe watermelon - the sweeter and riper, the better!
Fresh ice and cold water
Freshly squeezed lime juice
Sea salt (not pictured) - just a pinch of Himalayan sea salt to bring out the flavor of the fruit.

A full list of ingredients with exact amounts can be found on the recipe card below.

Substitutions and Variations

You can try this recipe with cantaloupe or honeydew melon, or another variety of sweet melon, or with juicy or watery fruit like pineapple, cucumber, or a mixture. Add more water as needed. Let me know what you try and your thoughts in the comments below!

Lime juice - Instead of adding lime juice, try lemon juice, or skip it altogether.
Spicy - Add half a serrano pepper or half a jalapeño pepper. I'll leave it to you whether you want to add the seeds or not!
Deluxe - Add a sprig of mint or mint leaves when blending, and garnish with fresh mint or lime wedges. Or try sparkling water. For super deluxe, try my favorite, coconut water! Garnish with a slice of lime.
Adult version - Add a splash of gin, rum, or vodka for a cocktail.
Frozen - For a fun summertime treat, turn this recipe into popsicles. Add half the amount of water and skip the ice. For popsicle-making instructions, refer to my Creamy Coconut Popsicles.
Freeze - Make frozen watermelon water by blending frozen watermelon cubes with water.

How to Make Watermelon Water

It's easy to make this refreshing Agua de Sandia (Watermelon Water):

Chopped watermelon with ice and lemon juice in a plastic blender container.

Step 1: Place the watermelon chunks into a high-speed blender. The blender pictured is 48 oz; I filled it with approximately 5 cups of chopped fruit. Add cold plain water, fresh ice, fresh lime juice, and a small pinch of sea salt.

Freshly blended watermelon water in a blender pitcher.

Step 2: Cover the blender securely. Start the high-speed blender (I use a Vitamix) at low speed and gradually increase to high speed. Blend for at least 30 seconds. If you don't have a blender, use a food processor.

Two glasses of freshly blended watermelon water on a round platter with half a lime.

Step 3: Pour into glasses and enjoy! I love the froth at the top of the glasses; it is extra refreshing. Keep the rest of the watermelon agua fresca in a pitcher in the fridge.

Expert Tip

Find the ripest watermelon you can find, and be sure to include the seeds! Then get ready to enjoy this low-calorie, naturally sweet, healthy, and hydrating drink full of antioxidants and phytonutrients.

Storage

Store this refreshing beverage in the refrigerator immediately in a tightly sealed container for 3 to 5 days.
Freeze leftover watermelon water in an airtight glass container, leaving at least an inch of space at the top to allow for expansion for up to 2 months.
I use a 6-quart container for storing leftover cut fruit in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can tightly wrap the cut side of the watermelon with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator with the plastic wrap facing up. The plastic wrap prevents the surface of the melon from getting mushy.
You can freeze ripe watermelon by placing the chunks in a single layer on parchment paper on a baking sheet in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer it to freezer-safe bags in single layers. Freeze for up to 8 months.

Recipe FAQs

Do I need to seed the watermelon?

No, you do not need to do this. It's beneficial to eat the seeds since they contain magnesium, zinc, and monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which protect against heart attack and stroke. The blender pulverizes the seeds, and if any remain, they will be at the bottom of the container.

Do I need to strain the watermelon water?

No, you don't need to strain it. It's beneficial to enjoy the pulp and the fiber in this drink. However, if you prefer, you can strain it.

Can I eat the watermelon rind?

Yes, if your watermelon is organic. I would add some chopped rind to the mixture to be blended. You can remove the green outer skin of the rind and use the rind as you would use squash in a stir fry, a curry, or soup.

How do I store leftover watermelon?

It's best if you cut the watermelon immediately before eating it. You can store any cut watermelon in the fridge, well wrapped, for up to three days. I put mine in a large covered bucket with a lid. Any large container will work as long as it is leak-proof and airtight.

What if my watermelon water is too thick?

Blend it with a little more water until you achieve your desired consistency. I like mine with the pulp and with ground seeds since it contains healthy natural plant fiber and vitamins and minerals. If you don't want the pulp and ground seeds, you can strain the mixture.

Can I freeze watermelon?

Yes! After you cut the watermelon into chunks, place them one by one on a sheet pan and put them in the freezer. Once they're frozen, make a frozen drink by blending the watermelon cubes with water. Place the leftover watermelon in a freezer-proof plastic bag or glass container.

More Vegan Summer Recipes

There's nothing like a juicy, sweet, delicious watermelon on a hot summer day to keep you hydrated with antioxidant goodness. If you love watermelon, you are going to love Watermelon Water, also known as Agua de Sandia!

If you try this recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a star rating and let me know how it goes in the comments below. I love hearing from you!

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Recipe

Two glasses of watermelon water next to a pitcher on a round platter with half a lime.

How to Make Watermelon Water (Agua de Sandia)

Author: Emily Miller

Enjoy this healthy and refreshing Watermelon Water all summer long. Blend chopped watermelon with water, ice, freshly squeezed lime, and a pinch of salt for a thirst-quenching beverage! This recipe makes enough to serve a crowd!

5 from 163 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 0

Total Time: 10

Servings: 6-oz servings

Calories: 28.2kcal

EQUIPMENT

High-speed blender
Chef's knife
Cutting board

INGREDIENTS

▢ 5 cups chopped watermelon including seeds including seeds, approximately 725 g
▢ 1 cup cold water or coconut water or sparkling water
▢ 1 cup ice cubes
▢ ½ lime freshly juiced
▢ Pinch Sea salt

INSTRUCTIONS

Place chopped watermelon into high-speed blender. Add water, ice, lime juice, and pinch of sea salt.
Start high-speed blender at low speed and gradually increase to high speed. Mix for 30 seconds.
Pour into glasses and enjoy!

NOTES

Store the Watermelon Water in the refrigerator immediately in a tightly sealed container or pitcher for 3 to 5 days. Stir or shake before serving.
Freeze leftover watermelon water in an airtight glass container, leaving at least an inch of space at the top to allow for expansion, for up to 2 months.
Find the ripest watermelon you can find, and be sure to include the seeds in this Watermelon Water! Then get ready to enjoy this low-calorie, naturally sweet, healthy, and hydrating drink full of antioxidants and phytonutrients.

NUTRITION

Serving: 6 fluid ouncesCalories: 28.2 kcalCarbohydrates: 7.1 gProtein: 0.6 gFat: 0.1 gSodium: 11.2 mgFiber: 0.4 gSugar: 5.7 g

Tried this recipe?Please consider leaving a comment and star rating!

Resplendent Kitchen offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site as a courtesy. Although resplendentkitchen.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information from online calculators, these figures are estimates.

Comments

5 from 163 votes (151 ratings without comment)