Aguas Frescas Recipe

Process watermelon

Place 3 cups of chopped watermelon into a blender. Add 1/2 cup of cold water. Pulse until smooth, about 30–45 seconds. Pour the puree through a fine-mesh strainer into a large bowl or pitcher, pressing with a spoon to extract as much juice as possible. Discard seeds and pulp left in the strainer or save for smoothies.

Process strawberries

Rinse blender, then add 1 cup of strawberries and 1/2 cup cold water. Blend until smooth, about 20–30 seconds. Strain into the same pitcher, pressing to extract juice and removing seeds if desired.

Process pineapple

Rinse blender, then add 1 cup pineapple and 1/2 cup cold water. Blend until smooth. Strain into the pitcher if you prefer a smooth drink; for a chunkier, pulpy texture you can skip straining and add directly.

Add the remaining 4 1/2 cups cold water to the pitcher with the fruit juices and stir to combine. Taste and decide sweetness level.

Whisk in the 4 tablespoons granulated sugar until fully dissolved. If using honey or agave, add 1 tablespoon and whisk again. Adjust sweetness: add another tablespoon of sugar or honey at a time if you prefer sweeter aguas frescas.

Add the 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice and mix. Lime brightens the flavors and balances sweetness—adjust to taste.

Taste the agua fresca and adjust: if too concentrated, add up to 1 cup more cold water; if too weak, add more fruit puree or a touch more sugar.

Refrigerate the pitcher for at least 30 minutes to chill and let flavors meld. For immediate serving, fill glasses with ice cubes.

Serve over ice, garnish each glass with a lime slice and a sprig of mint. Stir before serving if the juice has settled. Leftovers keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours—stir or shake before serving.