Quick Watermelon Strawberry Agua Fresca with Ginger-Lime Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the most flavorful agua fresca, use the ripest watermelon and strawberries you can find. The natural sweetness of the fruit means you won't need any added sugar.

If you prefer a sweeter drink, you can stir in a little honey or agave syrup, but taste first—the fruit may be sweet enough on its own.

To make this drink ahead, you can prepare the fruit and grated aromatics up to a few hours in advance, but do not add the water and ice until just before serving.

Keep the prepared fruit in the refrigerator. For a party, set out a large pitcher and let guests serve themselves, garnishing each glass with a fresh mint sprig.

Variations

• Spicy Jalapeño: Add 1 thinly sliced jalapeño (seeds removed for less heat) to the pitcher along with the other fruit. The jalapeño adds a subtle heat that complements the ginger and lime. Remove after 30 minutes if you prefer a milder kick.
• Coconut Water Base: Replace the cold water with coconut water for a tropical twist. The coconut water adds natural electrolytes and a hint of sweetness. Reduce the amount of added sweetener, if any, as coconut water is naturally sweet.
• Berry Blend: Swap half of the strawberries for fresh blueberries or raspberries. The berries add depth and a deeper red color. Adjust the amount of lime to balance the tartness of the berries.
• Herbal Infusion: Replace the mint with fresh basil or a combination of basil and mint. Basil adds a slightly peppery, aromatic note that pairs well with watermelon. Use the same amount and follow the same steps.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Stir before serving. The fruit will soften, so best enjoyed the same day.

Freezer

Not recommended for freezing as the texture will change.

Reheat

Not applicable—serve cold.

Store leftover agua fresca in a covered pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The fruit will continue to infuse, but the mint may darken. Stir before serving. If the drink has become too strong or concentrated, add a splash of cold water and fresh ice to refresh it.

You can prep the watermelon, strawberries, and grated ginger, cucumber, and lime up to 4 hours ahead. Keep them in separate containers in the refrigerator.

When ready to serve, combine everything in the pitcher, add mint, ice, and water, and stir. This makes it easy to assemble fresh for a crowd.

Serving ideas

Serve this agua fresca well chilled, straight from the pitcher into tall glasses filled with ice. Garnish each glass with a sprig of fresh mint for a pop of color and aroma.

It pairs beautifully with grilled foods, tacos, or a light summer salad. The drink is also wonderful as a non-alcoholic base for a summer party.

For a more elegant presentation, you can rim the glasses with a little lime juice and coarse sugar or salt. If you like a bit of fizz, top off each glass with a splash of sparkling water just before serving. This agua fresca is best enjoyed immediately, so pour and serve right away.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Quick Watermelon Strawberry Agua Fresca with Ginger-Lime

Prep 15 minCook 0 minTotal 15 minServes 8

Ingredients

• 6 cups seedless watermelon cubes
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
• 2 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1/2 cup grated cucumber
• 1 lime, grated zest and juice
• 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
• 4 cups ice cubes
• 2 cups cold water

Instructions

1. Slice the seedless watermelon into cubes. Hull the strawberries and cut them in half. Using a box grater, grate the fresh ginger, cucumber, and the lime zest directly into a bowl. Squeeze the lime juice over the grated mixture.
2. Place the cubed watermelon and halved strawberries into a large glass pitcher, filling it up.
3. Add the grated ginger, cucumber, and lime mixture to the pitcher with the fruit.
4. Add the fresh mint leaves and plenty of ice cubes to the pitcher.
5. Pour the cold water over the fruit and ice. Stir gently with a long spoon to combine the flavors without bruising the mint.
6. Pour the agua fresca from the pitcher into ice-filled glasses to the brim. Garnish each glass with a sprig of fresh mint and serve immediately.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

80

Protein

1 g

Carbohydrates

20 g

Fat

0 g

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.