Agua de Melon (Cantaloupe Agua Fresca)
Agua de melon (cantaloupe agua fresca) is a refreshing Mexican drink made from a delightful blend of fresh cantaloupe, water, and a touch of sweetener. It is commonly enjoyed during hot weather and is often served at festivals, fairs, and family gatherings.
Growing up in California, we always had an abundance of fruit trees in our backyard so drinking fresh juices was the norm for us. Perhaps this is why I have always loved the variety of aguas frescas available in Mexican restaurants and mercados. My parents weren’t really ones to serve us store-bought juices and now I’m the same way. Luckily for my children, aguas frescas happen to be one of my specialties.
This recipe has a special place in my heart because it reminds me of my friend Ana’s wedding in Valle de Guadalupe. Everyone arrived a day early and we headed straight to La Escuelita – it used to be one of our favorite little restaurants in Baja but unfortunately is no longer there. The seasonal menu included crab burritos and agua fresca de melón. It was such a perfect drink on that warm summer day and now I’m sharing the recipe with you to enjoy.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF CANTALOUPE WATER
Cantaloupe is not only delicious but also offers several health benefits:
- High in vitamins: Cantaloupe is a rich source of vitamin C, which boosts the immune system, and vitamin A, essential for healthy vision and skin.
- Hydration: With its high water content, cantaloupe helps keep you hydrated, especially on hot days.
- Antioxidant properties: It contains antioxidants like beta-carotene, which may protect cells from damage and lower the risk of chronic diseases.
- Digestive health: The fiber in cantaloupe supports digestion and can help prevent constipation.
- Skin health: The vitamins and antioxidants in cantaloupe can contribute to healthy skin by promoting collagen production and protecting against UV damage.
INGREDIENTS
- Cantaloupe – honeydew melon also works for this recipe
- Sweetener of choice – I like to use organic cane sugar, agave, honey, or dates
- Water
HOW TO MAKE THIS RECIPE
Step 1
Begin by preparing the cantaloupe. Cut the cantaloupe it in half.
Step 2
Next, using a spoon, scoop out the seeds (dry and save them to make your agua de horchata extra creamy).
Step 2
After this, peel and cut the fruit. Using a sharp knife, remove the skin from the cantaloupe and then cut it into chunks or slices, making it easier to blend.
Step 3
Then, blend the ingredients. Working in batches, process the cantaloupe, sugar, and 3 cups of water on medium setting for 60 seconds.
Step 4
Last, strain ingredients. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a pitcher to remove any remaining pulp. Stir in remaining 3 cups of water.
Step 5
Finally, chill and enjoy. serve over ice. Refrigerate the agua de melon for at least one hour before serving. When ready to serve, add to a glass with plenty of ice and garnish with fresh edible flowers, mint, or basil leaves.
HOW TO STORE AGUA FRESCA
Store agua fresca in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days, ensuring it stays fresh and chilled. Stir before serving as ingredients tend to settle at the bottom when sitting.
LOOKING FOR MORE AGUA FRESCA RECIPES?
- Agua de Tuna (Prickly Pear Agua Fresca)
- Agua de Guayaba (Guava Agua Fresca)
- Maracuya Drink (Passion Fruit Agua Fresca)
- Strawberry Agua Fresca with Beets
- Agua de Piña y Pepino (Pineapple Cucumber Agua Fresca)
- Agua de Avena
- Spicy Prickly Pear Mezcal Paletas
- Dressing Up Your Drinks: 16 Recipes and Ideas for Easy Rims and Garnishes
- Raspberry Prickly Pear Agua Fresca
Agua de Melon (Cantaloupe Agua Fresca)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 cups cantaloupe diced
- 6 cups water
- ¼ cup sugar or to taste
- fresh mint or basil optional garnish
Instructions
- Blend cantaloupe, sugar (or sweetener of choice), and 3 cups water on medium setting for 60 seconds.
- Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into large pitcher. You may need to agitate the mixture to let the concentrate through, avoid pushing through the pulp to keep juice light in consistency. Compost or discard pulp.
- Stir in remaining 3 cups water.
- Chill and serve over ice. Garnish with fresh edible flowers, mint, or basil leaves.
A Note from Lola
Nutrition
Lola Wiarco Dweck
Lola is a Mexican-American recipe developer, writer, and cooking instructor who loves sharing her culture with the world. Growing up in California and spending summers in Mexico, Lola celebrates her family’s Mexican recipes and vibrant culture through Lola’s Cocina.
Amiga!!! Why no pictures? I would love to share one of your agua fresca recipes on my blog with pictures! Would that be ok? Email me at [email protected] if that is a possibility.
Stephanie, you’re not going to believe this, but I JUST took the pictures for this recipe and haven’t uploaded them yet. Of course you can share! I’ll email you links to a few where I do have the pictures. Hope to see you at the WAG Summit this weekend!
Such a good recipe for hydration especially living in a desert environment. I love the addition of mint!