Minted Watermelon Agua Fresca

Minted Watermelon Agua Fresca is elevated hydration in vivid, drinkable fuchsia. It is one of my favorite beverages to serve when throwing a summer soiree or just in need of respite from the warmth of the day.

If you’re new to the world of agua fresca, it’s origins hail from Mexico where it has a long history as a popular drink known for its refreshing qualities. There are many types of agua fresca but they all have in common ease of preparation and a simple, fresh ingredient list. The essentials of agua fresca consist of one or more varieties of fruit, vegetables, flowers, herbs, grains or seeds, combined with water and sugar. Popular flavors include cantaloupe, hibiscus, guava, lemon, chia, passionfruit, horchata, raspberry, and tamarind. Agua Fresca is a fantastic way to use excess produce from the garden or highlight the bounty of seasonal ingredients from the Farmer’s Market.

You might be wondering if there is a difference between juice and agua fresca; the answer is absolutely, yes! Agua Fresca contains more water and fiber than juice, resulting in a surprisingly light beverage that is not as sugary, stodgy or heavy as juice, yet retains all the bright, juicy flavors you crave for summer refreshment. If you’re looking for a sublime thirst-quenching beverage to add to your repertoire, Minted Watermelon Agua Fresca has you covered.

Tips for picking a watermelon for your agua fresca

The key to fantastic Minted Watermelon Agua Fresca is perfectly ripe, fresh, sweet watermelon. While there is no surefire fail-safe for picking a ripe watermelon, there are a few tips you can follow. A good rule of thumb when picking a watermelon is that it has a field spot indicating it was ripened on the vine.

Watermelon should feel heavy and the rind firm and shiny with dark green- and cream-colored striations. When thumped, a ripe watermelon should make a deep, hollow sound. Underripe melons will have a higher pitch and over ripe melons will sound more like a thud.

What to do with your leftover mint simple syrup

Leftover mint simple syrup can be used to make mojitos, mint juleps or iced tea. If the mint simple syrup crystallizes in the refrigerator, you can reconstitute it by reheating the syrup over medium/low heat just until the crystals dissolve.

Minted Watermelon Agua Fresca

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• Author: Kitchen Fairy
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Ingredients

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Mint Simple Syrup

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup fresh mint (more for garnish)
• ½ teaspoon sea salt

Minted Watermelon Agua Fresca

• 4 cups chopped, seedless watermelon
• 2 cups water
• ¼ cup mint simple syrup
• 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lime juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice
• Ice cubes for serving

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Instructions

Mint Simple Syrup

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, bring water, sugar and salt to a simmer, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. Continue to simmer for two more minutes. Do not allow the syrup to come to a full boil. Remove from the heat.
2. Add the mint to the hot syrup. Mix to fully submerge the mint in the syrup. Cover and allow the mint to infuse in the syrup for at least twenty minute and up to one hour.
3. Place a mesh strainer over a glass jar large enough to hold the syrup. Strain the infused syrup into the jar. Discard the mint and seal jar with a tight-fitting lid. Cool to room temperature and store in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.

Minted Watermelon Agua Fresca

1. Combine the watermelon, water, mint simple syrup, lime juice and lemon juice in a blender and blend until completely smooth and homogenized. If you have a small blender, blend in batches.
2. Pour the Agua Fresca into a medium/large pitcher. Refrigerate until cold. Minted Watermelon Agua Fresca is best consumed the day you prepare it, but can last in the refrigerator for up to two days.

To Serve

Fill four glasses halfway with ice cubes. Pour the Minted Watermelon Agua Fresca over the ice to the top of the glass.

Garnish with mint and serve.

Notes

• You should always serve agua fresca ice cold. I recommend chilling your glasses for at least ten minutes before filling with ice and agua fresca, then serving.
• If you prefer a more pronounced mint flavor, add fresh mint leaves directly to the pitcher of your Minted Watermelon Agua Fresca.
• As the Agua Fresca sits, the water may separate from the fruit. This is natural and does not affect the flavor. Simply stir to recombine.