Agua de melon (or cantaloupe agua fresca) is a colorful, refreshing, lightly sweetened Mexican drink that only uses 3 ingredients!
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Made from a blended mixture of fresh cantaloupe, water, and a little sugar, agua de melon (also known as cantaloupe water or cantaloupe agua fresca) is a vibrant summer drink you’ll want to make over and over again!
It’s best served chilled over ice and can be garnished with a slice of cantaloupe, or you can add a squeeze of lime juice for a citrusy twist!
How To Pick A Ripe Cantaloupe
Since this is an agua fresca recipe, the most important ingredient is your fruit. When shopping for a cantaloupe, you want to find a sweet and juicy one at your local store. I personally always go with two rules:
- Smell: You should be able to smell that sweet melon scent when you pick it up.
- Touch: If you place your thumb at the bottom where the vines were, it should have some give.
Ingredients
This agua de melon recipe is made from 3 simple ingredients you likely have in your kitchen:
- Cantaloupe: Make sure to remove the seeds and rinds before blending it up.
- Water: Simple, clean, cold water.
- Granulated sugar: To sweeten the drink just a bit. This is entirely optional, depending on the sweetness of the cantaloupe. Start with very little, then adjust the amount as you go. You could also use a different sweetener if you prefer.
How to Make Agua de Melon
Blend the cantaloupe, water, and sugar in a large blender until smooth. If your blender isn’t big enough, you may have to do this in batches.
Strain the mixture into a pitcher to remove any pulp if desired.
Give it a taste and stir in more sugar if desired. That’s all there is to it! Simple, easy, and delicious.
More Aguas Frescas
There are many flavors of aguas frescas, all made from different ingredients, including fruits, teas, and even rice! Here are some different aguas frescas to enjoy:
- Cucumber – Agua de Pepino
- Tamarind – Agua de Tamarindo
- Hibiscus – Agua de Jamaica
- Rice and Almond – Horchata
- Pineapple – Agua de Piña
- Strawberry – Agua de Fresa
- Watermelon – Agua de Sandia
Tips
- You can adjust the amount of sugar based on the ripeness of your cantaloupe or to your liking. For a less sweet agua fresca, only use half of the sugar.
- If you like pulp, you can always omit using the strainer.
- Garnish with diced cantaloupe, or add a squeeze of lime juice for a citrusy twist.
Recommended Tools
Blender: A powerful blender is a must when blending fruit to make sure it all gets smooth.
Strainer: This one comes in 3 different sizes and is perfect for straining any aguas frescas.
Pitcher: Here’s a great glass pitcher with a lid that fits perfectly in the fridge!
Storing
Agua de melon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
You could also freeze it in an ice cube tray to enjoy some flavored water any day of the week!
Ingredients
- 1 medium cantaloupe, diced
- 6 cups water
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Add the cantaloupe, water, and sugar into a large blender. Blend for 1 to 2 minutes until smooth. You may have to do this in batches if your blender isn't big enough.
- Taste and blend in more sugar if desired. Strain the mixture into a pitcher to remove any pulp.
- Serve immediately over ice or chill in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Isabel’s Tips:
- You can adjust the amount of sugar based on the ripeness of your cantaloupe or to your liking. For a less sweet agua fresca, only use half of the sugar.
- If you like pulp, you can omit straining the mixture.
- Garnish with diced cantaloupe, or add a squeeze of lime juice for a citrusy twist.
Nutrition Information
Photos by Erin Jensen of The Wooden Skillet.
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