Sparkling Mexican Watermelon and Lime Agua Fresca with Fresh Mint

Add the cubed watermelon, lime juice, agave, mint leaves, and a pinch of salt to a blender.

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 6 cups cubed seedless watermelon
• 1/3 cup fresh lime juice
• 3 tablespoons agave nectar or sugar, or to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, plus sprigs to garnish
• 2 cups cold sparkling water
• Pinch of salt
• Ice cubes, to serve
• Lime wheels, to garnish

Instructions

1. Add the cubed watermelon, lime juice, agave, mint leaves, and a pinch of salt to a blender.
2. Blend until completely smooth, about 30 seconds.
3. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher for a silky, seed-free base, pressing to extract all the juice.
4. Taste and adjust with more lime or agave until the balance is bright and refreshing.
5. Chill the watermelon base in the refrigerator until very cold, at least one hour.
6. Fill glasses with ice, then pour the watermelon base to about two-thirds full.
7. Top each glass with cold sparkling water and stir gently to combine.
8. Garnish with lime wheels and mint sprigs and serve at once while lively and fizzy.
9. Aguas frescas are Mexico's beloved fruit waters, sold from big glass barrels in markets and on street corners to beat the afternoon heat. This sparkling watermelon version keeps that tradition alive with a lively twist, offering a cooling, alcohol-free refresher that is pure summer in a glass.

Nutrition (estimated, per serving)

• Calories: 90 kcal
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 80mg