This refreshing lime watermelon juice is our take on agua fresca, a must-try summer drink and the perfect thirst-quencher for a hot summer day.
Nothing says summertime quite like a cold glass of watermelon juice. On those sweltering days when the heat seems unrelenting, you need a drink that is not only refreshing, but can also reenergize and lift your spirit. This lime watermelon juice recipe is my drink of choice for hot summer days, a take on agua fresca that fits the bill perfectly.
Made with just two main ingredients—watermelon and lime—that are blended together into a delicious tall glass of juice, this non-alcoholic drink captures the essence of summer in a glass. The natural sweetness of watermelon gets a tart twist from lime that comes together in a light and refreshing beverage.
Lime watermelon juice is an excellent way to hydrate your body during hot summer days, thanks to the high water content of watermelons. Including this juice in your diet can be an excellent alternative to plain water to help you stay refreshed.
Inspired by agua fresca, a traditional Mexican drink, this recipe is quick and easy to make at home so you can get a taste of summer anytime the weather heats up. All you need to do is blend watermelon and lime, pour over ice and sip slowly to cool off from the heat.
Ingredients
To create a variety of refreshing lime watermelon juices and cocktails, you'll need the following base ingredients:
- Fresh watermelon, cubed - make sure you pick ripe watermelon for this!
- Freshly squeezed lime juice - accentuates the sweetness of the watermelon even further.
How to pick ripe watermelon?
Because this drink is essentially watermelon juice with a dash of lime, you want to make sure you opt for the ripest watermelon you can find. Selecting a ripe watermelon may sound simple, but it's truly a work of art! You need to rely on visual cues, tactile assessments, and sometimes even auditory clues. Here's my dad's guide to help you pick a ripe watermelon:
- Look for the Field Spot: The field spot is the area where the watermelon rested on the ground. A ripe watermelon will have a creamy yellow or orange-yellow spot. If the spot is white or greenish, it won't be ripe.
- Check the Weight: Pick up the watermelon; it should feel heavy for its size, which indicates it's full of water and likely to be juicy.
- Inspect the Rind: The rind of the watermelon should be firm and free from bruises, cuts, or dents. The surface should be dull rather than shiny.
- Tap It: Give the watermelon a tap or a knock. A ripe one will have a deep, hollow sound, whereas an underripe or overripe melon will sound dull.
- Look for Uniform Shape: A uniform watermelon, whether round or oblong, is often more evenly ripened.
- Check the Tendril: If you're buying a watermelon from a place where the vine is still attached, look at the tendril closest to the fruit. The watermelon is more likely to be ripe if it's dried out.
- Examine the Color: The color of a ripe watermelon is typically a deep green. Watermelons with stripes or spots should have a noticeable contrast between the stripes and the rest of the rind.
- Feel the Texture: Run your hands over the surface of the watermelon. The skin should be smooth but not too glossy, and the rind should be hard. A soft rind may mean the fruit is overripe.
Instructions
It's easy to make watermelon juice without a juicer! Here are the simple stages for this flavorful summer drink:
Select your watermelon
Begin by choosing a juicy, seedless watermelon for your refreshing summertime drink. Seedless watermelons simplify the process, ensuring a smoother puree without the hassle of removing seeds.
Puree the watermelon
Cut your seedless watermelon into smaller pieces and place them into your blender. Secure the lid and puree in a blender until the watermelon is completely smooth. This forms the base of your drink, which is delicious on its own but will be even better with a few extra touches.
Add lime juice
After pureeing the watermelon, add the juice of one lime for a zesty twist. If you prefer your drink a little more lime-forward, feel free to squeeze in a little more lime juice to taste. Blend the mixture again briefly to combine the flavors.
Strain the mixture
Even with a seedless watermelon, you may want to ensure a perfectly smooth texture by straining the puree. Place a fine mesh sieve over a bowl or pitcher and pour the watermelon puree through it. Use a spatula to help push the liquid through, leaving any remaining pulp behind.
Prepare the drink
Now, take a chilled glass and fill it with ice. For those who enjoy a fizzy kick, pour in some sparkling water to fill the glass halfway. Then, top it off with your strained watermelon juice. If you find the drink needs a bit of sweetening, you can stir in your preferred sweetener to taste.
Garnish and serve
The final flourish is to garnish with a lime ring, adding a fresh, aromatic touch that complements the delicious watermelon juice beautifully. There’s nothing more refreshing than this drink, perfect for a hot summer day. Serve immediately and enjoy the cool, thirst-quenching delight you've created.
Variations
Here are some adaptations to our basic watermelon juice with lime that can take this refreshing watermelon drink to the next level.
- Fresh mint leaves: A classic addition to enhance the freshness of the drink.
- Basil: Adds an aromatic, herbal touch to your watermelon juice.
For a more tropical twist on watermelon lime agua fresca, consider adding fruits like:
- Strawberries
- Mango
- Mixed berries
- Cucumber
Top Tips
- Pick the right watermelon: Opt for a watermelon that has a uniform shape and a creamy yellow spot, which is a sign that it's fully ripened. The fruit should also feel heavy for its size, indicating a high water content.
- Select the best watermelon season: The sweetness of your watermelon can vary depending on the time of year. To ensure the best flavor, choose watermelons during their peak season, which typically runs from May through September.
- Pour some sugar on it: Adjust the sweetness, if needed, with simple syrup or sugar.
Recipe
Watermelon juice with lime
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 small cubed watermelon (about 6 cups)
- 1 lime plus more for serving
Instructions
- Purée watermelon in a blender until smooth.
- Add juice of 1 lime and blend.
- If your watermelon has seeds, strain it through a fine-mesh colander; discarding solids. If not, pour watermelon juice directly into ice-filled glasses. Garnish with lime wedges.
- Notes: top with sparkling water for some fizz. Add sugar, if desired.
Christine says
I was looking for a refreshing drink or mocktail to take over to a friend's house the other day and stumbled upon this recipe -- so glad I did, because it was so simple to make and a huge hit! I already know I'll be making this a lot this summer.
kseniaprints says
I am so glad you liked it! It's perfect for summer