Xanthan Gum Free Cucumber-Basil Watermelon Agua Fresca
This is the kind of drink that makes you feel like summer actually delivered on its promises. Ripe watermelon and cool cucumber get blended together with fresh basil, a squeeze of lime, and just enough honey to round everything out — then strained into a pitcher of pure, refreshing bliss. The fine-mesh straining step is what sets this apart from a chunky smoothie; it gives you a silky, jewel-toned drink that looks as good as it tastes. Because it's built entirely from whole fruits, vegetables, and pantry staples, there's nothing processed hiding in the mix — no stabilizers, no additives, nothing that doesn't belong. That makes it a genuinely clean option for anyone navigating ingredient labels with a careful eye. A little chill time in the fridge lets the flavors meld beautifully, and a garnish of basil or cucumber slices turns an everyday pitcher drink into something you'd proudly set out at a backyard gathering.
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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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