Citric Acid Free Classic Watermelon Agua Fresca
Few drinks are as instantly refreshing as a tall glass of watermelon agua fresca on a warm day, and this version is as simple and satisfying as it gets. The base is pure blended watermelon strained to a silky, pulp-free liquid — no artificial flavors, no preservatives, and none of the citric acid that sneaks into so many store-bought beverages and drink mixes. A small squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens the whole thing naturally, and a pinch of salt pulls the sweetness into focus in a way that feels almost magical. You control the sugar level based on how sweet your melon is, which means every batch tastes exactly right. Straining through a fine-mesh sieve gives it that clean, almost jewel-like quality you'd expect from a good taqueria or juice bar. It comes together in just a few minutes and looks stunning poured over ice with a lime wedge on the rim.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 6 cups seedless watermelon, cut into 1-inch cubes (about ½ small watermelon)
- 1 cup cold water
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice (from about 1 lime)
- 1–2 tbsp granulated sugar, or to taste
- ¼ tsp salt
For serving
- ice, for serving (optional)
- lime wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Add the watermelon cubes and cold water to a blender and blend on high until completely smooth, about 30–45 seconds.
- 2
Set a fine-mesh strainer over a large pitcher. Pour the blended watermelon through the strainer, pressing gently on the solids with a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the pulp left in the strainer.
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