Ask Cookix, your sous-chef

Mexican-Style Watermelon Ginger-Lime Agua Fresca

This vibrant Agua Fresca de Sandía y Jengibre brings a taste of Mexico’s street-side refreshment to your glass. In summer markets from Oaxaca to Mérida, vendors blend sweet, sun-ripened watermelon with a splash of zesty lime and warming ginger for a thirst-quenching cooler that’s both bright and balanced. Silky-smooth watermelon juice is strained to jewel-like clarity, then kissed with fresh lime juice and a hint of ginger before an optional topping of sparkling water for effervescent lift. Garnished with fragrant mint leaves, it’s the ultimate antidote to heat—light enough for an afternoon break yet festive enough for al fresco gatherings. Whether served by the pool, at a backyard barbecue, or alongside spicy tacos, this agua fresca captures the laid-back conviviality and farm-to-table spirit at the heart of Mexican summer drinking traditions.

Beverage | Mexican | Dairy-Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Vegan | Vegetarian | Blender | Mixing Bowl | Sieve | Ginger | Lime | Mint | Blending | Mixing | Stirring | Straining | Barbecue | Street Food | Under 5 Minutes | Watermelon | Agua Fresca
Time to complete

Prep

15min

Cook

0 minutes

Wait

0 minutes

Total

15min

Ingredients (Makes 8 servings)

Ingredients

  • Seedless watermelon, cubed — 1.9 kg (8 cups)
  • Fresh lime juice — 30 mL (2 tablespoons)
  • Fresh ginger juice — 2.5 mL (½ teaspoon)

For Serving/Garnishing

  • Sparkling water — as desired
  • Fresh mint sprigs — for garnish
Nutrition Information (per 100g)
  • Calories: 30
  • Fat: 0.2
  • Protein: 0.6
  • Carbohydrates: 8
  • Fiber: 0.4
Directions

Blend & Strain

  • 1. Place the watermelon cubes in a blender and blend on high until completely smooth, about 1–2 minutes.
  • 2. Line a large bowl with a nut milk bag or two layers of cheesecloth and pour the puree through; gently press or squeeze to extract all the juice.

Finish & Chill

  • 3. Transfer the strained juice into a pitcher and stir in the lime juice and ginger juice until evenly combined.

Serve

  • 4. Fill glasses with ice, pour the watermelon juice to three-quarters full, top with sparkling water if desired, and garnish each with a mint sprig.
Cookix's Secrets

Chill Quickly

  • Place the pitcher in an ice bath to chill the juice faster if you’re short on time.

Creamy Version

  • Stir in a splash of coconut milk or coconut cream for a silky, tropical-style agua fresca.

Fizzy Twist

  • Substitute sparkling water with tonic or club soda for a bright, slightly bitter counterpoint.

Fruit Selection

  • Choose seedless, fully ripe watermelon for maximum sweetness and a smooth texture.

Herbal Infusion

  • Muddle fresh basil or cilantro leaves with the watermelon before blending for a fragrant herbal note.

Ice Tricks

  • Freeze small watermelon balls or cubes and use them as ice—no dilution, extra flavor.

Spicy Kick

  • Add a pinch of ground tajín or a few slices of serrano pepper into the blender for a fiery edge.

Straining

  • Use a gentle press—too much force can push pulp through the cloth and cloud the juice.

Winter Adaptation

  • Swap watermelon for blood orange or pomegranate arils for seasonal cold-weather refreshments.