Name: Watermelon Cucumber Agua Fresca Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 cups cubed fresh watermelon; 2-3 Persian cucumbers, sliced (about 1 cup); 1/4 cup fresh lime juice; 1/4 cup agave syrup (or honey); Fresh mint and watermelon wedges, to serve

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 81 reviews

There’s nothing quite as refreshing on a sunny day as a tall glass of homemade Watermelon Cucumber Agua Fresca. This vibrant beverage is packed with juicy watermelon, crisp cucumber, and a bright hit of lime—perfect for quenching your thirst and adding a splash of color to any table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultimate Summer Refresher: Each sip of this Watermelon Cucumber Agua Fresca is like a cool breeze on a hot day—irresistibly hydrating and packed with fresh flavor.
Gorgeous Color and Presentation: That stunning rosy-pink hue (with a pop of green from fresh mint or cucumber) steals the show wherever you serve it.
Just Five Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is easy to find, and each component shines through to create a drink that’s so much more than the sum of its parts.
Naturally Sweetened: No refined sugar—agave syrup (or honey) keeps things lightly sweet, letting the natural fruit flavors truly shine.

Watermelon Cucumber Agua Fresca Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making homemade Watermelon Cucumber Agua Fresca couldn’t be easier, and yet each ingredient brings something special to the pitcher. Let’s take a peek at what you’ll need—and why it matters!

Fresh Watermelon (4 cups, cubed): The real star here—choose a seedless, deeply colored melon for juicy, sweet flavor and a luscious texture.
Persian Cucumbers (2-3, about 1 cup sliced): Their thin skins and delicate crunch add coolness and a mellow green note that balances the watermelon’s sweetness beautifully.
Fresh Lime Juice (1/4 cup): A squeeze of lime brightens every sip and gives the agua fresca its signature sparkle and zip.
Agave Syrup or Honey (1/4 cup): A drizzle is all you need—agave blends in perfectly, but honey works if you love its subtle floral edge.
Fresh Mint and Watermelon Wedges (for serving): The final flourish! Mint adds aroma and eye-catching color, while watermelon wedges make every glass a mini celebration.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

The beauty of Watermelon Cucumber Agua Fresca is how effortlessly customizable it is—so many fun ways to make it your own! Try a creative twist depending on your mood, what’s in your fridge, or your guests’ preferences.

Spicy Agua Fresca: Blend in a slice or two of jalapeño or a dash of chili powder for a sneaky little kick—the sweetness and heat are absolutely addictive together.
Minty Fusion: Add a handful of fresh mint leaves directly to the blender for a punchier herbal flavor and a gorgeous green fleck throughout.
Melon Medley: Swap some of the watermelon for cantaloupe or honeydew to create a tropical, sunset-hued variation that’s just as refreshing.
Bubbly Agua Fresca: Replace half the water with sparkling water just before serving for delightful effervescence and extra lift.

How to Make Watermelon Cucumber Agua Fresca

Step 1: Blend It All Together

Start by piling your watermelon cubes, sliced cucumbers, fresh lime juice, agave syrup, and two cups of cold water into a blender. Give everything a generous whirl until completely smooth and liquid—a minute or so should do the trick, and it’s honestly so satisfying to watch all those colors combine. If your blender is on the smaller side, just work in batches.

Step 2: Strain for Silky Perfection

Set a fine mesh sieve (or cheesecloth) over a large pitcher and pour the blended mixture through, letting the vibrant juice drip through while the pulp stays behind. It makes all the difference for that classic agua fresca texture—light, crisp, and totally gulp-able. Use the back of a spoon to press out every last drop of goodness.

Step 3: Chill and Serve

This Watermelon Cucumber Agua Fresca is at its tastiest when refreshingly cold, so chill the strained liquid for at least an hour if you have the patience! But honestly, it’s hard to resist pouring it straight over ice for instant gratification. Finish with mint sprigs and watermelon wedges for that wow factor.

Pro Tips for Making Watermelon Cucumber Agua Fresca

Ice-Cold Is Everything: For the most refreshing flavor, use chilled watermelon and cucumbers, or add ice directly to the blender if your blender can handle it!
Don’t Skip the Strain: Straining is what gives Watermelon Cucumber Agua Fresca its signature silkiness—don’t rush this step for the dreamiest texture.
Taste and Tweak: Watermelons naturally vary in sweetness. Taste your blended mixture and adjust the lime or sweetener as needed until it’s perfect for you.
Go Big with Garnishes: Finish each glass with fresh mint, extra cucumber slices, or even a salted rim for a party-worthy presentation.

How to Serve Watermelon Cucumber Agua Fresca

Garnishes

When it comes to garnishes, don’t be shy! Fresh mint sprigs make each glass smell as fresh as it tastes, while a wedge of watermelon perched on the rim always feels festive. Thinly sliced cucumber or even a twist of lime add an extra pop of color and elegance to your Watermelon Cucumber Agua Fresca.

Side Dishes

This is the ultimate drink to serve with a summer spread—think tacos, chips and guacamole, crisp salads, or grilled skewers. The juicy, light flavor of Watermelon Cucumber Agua Fresca is a lovely match for spicy, smoky, or salty dishes that crave a refreshing palate-cleanser.

Creative Ways to Present

Try pouring your agua fresca into a big glass pitcher packed with ice and floating mint leaves—absolutely stunning for parties! Or, for grab-and-go fun, serve in individual mason jars with colorful straws. For a cocktail twist, add a splash of tequila or vodka for a crowd-pleasing grown-up treat (but it stands beautifully on its own, too).

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Watermelon Cucumber Agua Fresca keeps like a charm in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Store it in a covered pitcher or a sealed jar, and give it a quick stir before serving—you might notice a little natural separation, but that’s totally normal!

Freezing

If you’d love to save some for later, pour it into ice cube trays and freeze. These agua fresca cubes are fabulous dropped into seltzer or lemonade, or you can blend them for a quick frozen slushie. Avoid freezing the full batch in a container as this can alter the texture.

Reheating

Luckily, there’s no need for reheating here—just pull your Watermelon Cucumber Agua Fresca straight from the fridge and give it a shake or stir. If serving from frozen cubes, let them thaw at room temperature, or blend with extra water for an instant icy drink.

FAQs

Can I make Watermelon Cucumber Agua Fresca without a blender?

If you don’t have a blender, you can mash the watermelon and cucumbers as finely as possible with a potato masher or fork, then strain through cheesecloth. The texture will be a bit more rustic, but the flavor will still be vibrant and refreshing.
Do I need to peel the cucumbers?

No need! Persian cucumbers have very thin, tender skins, so you can leave them on for extra color and nutrients. If you’re using a larger or waxed cucumber, peeling is a good idea for the smoothest result.
Can I use other sweeteners instead of agave or honey?

Absolutely—simple syrup, maple syrup, or even a sprinkle of stevia work if that’s what you have. Start with less, taste, and add more until it’s just sweet enough for you.
Is Watermelon Cucumber Agua Fresca healthy?

Yes! This drink is naturally hydrating, low in calories, and made with whole fruits and a touch of natural sweetener. You can adjust the sweetness to your taste, making it a light, feel-good option any time.

Final Thoughts

I hope this sparkling pitcher of Watermelon Cucumber Agua Fresca finds its way to your next picnic, BBQ, or afternoon break. It’s so simple, but so special—give it a try and let it brighten your table and your day!