Head into any taqueria here in the West and likely you’ll find agua fresca (translated literally “fresh water”) for sale as well. The standard flavors are tamarindo (made with tamarind), horchata (rice and cinnamon), and jamaica (hibiscus), but you can make agua fresca, a cooling, refreshing drink, from almost any juicy fruit. They were selling this combination – watermelon and strawberry – at Whole Foods today. The samples were so good I had to make some for myself when I got home. I think they would freeze well, too, as a fruit popsicle (without the added water, and maybe a bit more sugar).
Strawberry Watermelon Agua Fresca Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound diced seedless or seeded watermelon (without rind), about 3-4 cups
- 8 ounces strawberries, stems removed (about a pint)
- 1 Tbsp lemon or lime juice
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup cold water
Method
Put all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. If you want, you can strain the purée through a mesh sieve, to strain out any pulpy pieces that didn't get broken up in the blender. Adjust the ingredients to taste.
Makes 4 cups.







Whoa! I opened up this page, and it was like a blast of chilly refreshment, Elise! That looks like just the thing for a blazing-hot summer day (like today, fyi)
I’m going to get a watermelon this week and make this, perhaps adding a spritz of sparkling wine…even though that’s not exactly Mexican.
Blue Mesa, a local “southwestern” restaurant, has aqua fresca on their brunch menu. The last time I went, it tasted of cantaloupe and oranges. I have to try making it at home.
Plus, Fiesta (or was it Carnival) grocery stores have an aqua fresca “bar” right by the front door. It’s a huge temptation.
That’s a beautiful picture! The color is great. And it sounds tasty, too! I love watermelon, especially. Around here they actually make vanilla and watermelon milkshakes in the summer. I’d report on the taste but … they kinda scare me.
I usually make this just with the watermelon, but I am going to have to try this with strawberry :) Thanks for the idea!
Mmmm, just add rum!
You must be from around the bay if you are bombarded with “Taquerias”. They are all over here in San Francisco! Almost always good though. And mentioning whole foods, you are definitely from around these parts, so hello neighbor! Anyways, I do enjoy a drink like this on these hot summer days so thanks for the recipe.. I’m going to try it out today! :D
Hi Elise! In area where I live it’s a watermelon’s season but not the strawberry. Will it work if I replace fresh strawberries by frozen?
Hi Ford – I didn’t really notice the strawberry seeds, but there were still a few small lumps of watermelon in mine. You can press the purée through a strainer if you want it super smooth.
Hi Savory – Doesn’t hurt to try. Let us know how using frozen strawberries works out for you if you try it.
10 of my 11 – 13 year olds fully approved and begged for more when we made this today in the BBQ pit class. Score!
I made this today with a seedless watermelon and frozen strawberries. YUM!
Sounds so refreshing. Gorgeous color!
This was absolutely Delicious! So refreshing on a hot day.