Chicken 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 refreshingly light, while fresh basil adds an herby, almost floral note that makes the whole drink feel a little unexpected and special. A squeeze of lime and a touch of honey round out the flavor so every sip hits that perfect sweet-tart balance. The straining step is worth the extra minute — it gives you a silky-smooth, restaurant-quality drink rather than a chunky smoothie. Everything here is naturally plant-based and built entirely from whole fruits, vegetables, and pantry staples, so there's nothing to second-guess about what's in your glass. It's the kind of drink that looks gorgeous with a basil sprig or a few cucumber ribbons draped over the rim, making it just as impressive for a backyard gathering as it is for a quiet afternoon on the porch.
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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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