Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cut the watermelon into cubes, removing any seeds and discarding the rind. Make sure your fruit is cold from the refrigerator so your finished drink stays chilled.
- Add the watermelon cubes to your blender along with 2 cups of the cold water. Blend on high speed for 30 to 45 seconds until completely smooth with no chunks remaining.
- Place your fine-mesh strainer over a large bowl and pour the blended mixture through it. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to press the pulp against the strainer, extracting as much liquid as possible.
- Pour the strained fruit liquid into your serving pitcher and add the remaining 2 cups of cold water. Stir well to combine everything evenly.
- Add the sugar and lime juice to the pitcher and stir vigorously for about 30 seconds until the sugar completely dissolves. Taste and adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar if needed, one tablespoon at a time.
- Stir in a small pinch of salt to enhance the fruit flavor. You shouldn't taste the salt itself; it just makes everything more vibrant.
- Refrigerate the pitcher for at least 30 minutes before serving, or add ice directly to glasses if you need to serve immediately.
- Give the pitcher a good stir before pouring. Pour over ice-filled glasses and garnish with fresh mint leaves or a lime wedge if desired.
Notes
Start with less sugar than you think you need since you can always add more. Choose fruit at peak ripeness for maximum natural sweetness. Serve within 24 hours for the brightest, freshest flavor. Store in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freeze leftover agua fresca in ice cube trays and add them to your next batch instead of regular ice cubes to prevent dilution.