MSG Free Cucumber-Basil Watermelon Agua Fresca
This blender drink is the kind of thing you make once and immediately want to keep on rotation all summer long. Ripe watermelon and cool cucumber come together in a way that feels genuinely refreshing — not just sweet, but bright and a little herbal thanks to the fresh basil. A squeeze of lime and a touch of honey round everything out, giving you that perfect balance of tart and lightly sweet without any artificial flavor boosters. Every single ingredient here is whole and recognizable, which means you can sip without a second thought about hidden additives or flavor enhancers sneaking in. The straining step is what takes it from smoothie territory to a silky, elegant drink that looks as good as it tastes. It's the kind of naturally clean recipe that just works — no shortcuts needed, no ingredient swaps required. Serve it over ice with a sprig of basil on top and it's practically a centerpiece.
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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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