Black Pepper Free Cucumber-Basil Watermelon Agua Fresca
Summer in a glass doesn't get much better than this. Ripe watermelon and cool cucumber blend into something refreshing and a little unexpected, with fresh basil adding an herby brightness that makes every sip feel a little fancy. A squeeze of lime and a touch of honey round out the flavor without overpowering the natural sweetness of the fruit. The whole thing gets strained smooth, so the texture is clean and light — no pulpy chunks, just pure, chilled refreshment. For anyone navigating a black pepper sensitivity, this kind of drink is a genuine win, since so many store-bought beverages and flavored waters sneak in spice blends or "natural flavors" that can be hard to verify. Every ingredient here is straightforward and easy to check, so you can sip without second-guessing. Serve it over ice with a sprig of basil or a few cucumber ribbons on the rim and it looks as good as it tastes.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 6 cups seedless watermelon, cut into 1-inch cubes (about ½ small watermelon)
- 1 medium english cucumber, peeled and roughly chopped
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes)
- 1–2 tbsp honey, or to taste
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- 1 cup cold water
For serving
- ice, for serving
- fresh basil sprigs or thin cucumber slices, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Add the watermelon cubes, chopped cucumber, basil leaves, lime juice, honey, salt, and cold water to a blender. Blend on high until completely smooth, about 45–60 seconds.
- 2
Set a fine-mesh strainer over a large pitcher. Pour the blended mixture through the strainer in batches, pressing gently on the solids with a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids.
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