Have you been craving a thirst-quenching drink that fits nicely into your gluten-free diet? This watermelon-cranberry agua fresca might be exactly what you need. It’s light, refreshing, and surprisingly simple to whip up. You’ll only need a handful of natural ingredients, all of which blend smoothly into a crisp summertime treat.
The best part is that watermelon brings natural sweetness while cranberry adds a hint of tartness. This combination is often overlooked, but once you try it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t grab your blender sooner.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh watermelon chunks (seedless if possible)
- 1 cup cranberry juice (unsweetened or low-sugar)
- 1 cup cold water
- Juice of 1 lime (optional, for extra tang)
- 1 tablespoon honey or preferred sweetener (adjust to taste)
- Ice cubes for serving
Directions
- Place your fresh watermelon chunks in a blender.
- Add the cranberry juice, cold water, and lime juice (if you’re using it).
- Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth.
- Taste test and add your honey or sweetener if needed.
- Give it another quick blend to ensure everything is well combined.
- Pour over ice in a tall glass, and serve immediately. You can garnish with a watermelon wedge or mint leaf if you’re feeling fancy.
Nutrition facts
Below is a rough estimate per serving (about 1 cup):
- Calories: ~90
- Carbohydrates: ~22 g
- Sugars: ~17 g
- Fat: <1 g
- Protein: ~1 g
- Fiber: ~1 g
Keep in mind these numbers vary depending on your choice of sweetener and the natural sugar content of your watermelon.
Final thoughts
This gluten-free watermelon-cranberry agua fresca is a refreshing option when you want something fruity that won’t weigh you down. It’s easy to adapt, too. If you prefer more tartness, add extra cranberry or a splash of lemon juice. If you like it sweeter, a bit more honey works wonders.
It’s a fun drink to make for friends, especially at outdoor gatherings. So go ahead and impress your guests (and your taste buds) with this colorful, vibrant cooler.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
-
Can I use frozen watermelon or cranberries?
Absolutely. Frozen fruit can give your agua fresca a thicker, smoothie-like consistency. Just reduce or skip the ice. -
What if I don’t like cranberry juice?
You can swap cranberry juice for another tart juice like pomegranate or even a berry blend. It changes the flavor profile slightly but keeps the overall concept. -
How long can I store this in the fridge?
It’s best enjoyed fresh. However, you can keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for about one day. Give it a stir before serving again.
Gluten-Free Recipe for Watermelon-Cranberry Agua Fresca
4
servings10
minutes10
minutes90
kcalIngredients
4 cups fresh watermelon chunks (seedless if possible)
1 cup cranberry juice (unsweetened or low-sugar)
1 cup cold water
1 tablespoon honey or preferred sweetener (adjust to taste)
Juice of 1 lime (optional, for extra tang)
Ice cubes for serving
Directions
- Place your fresh watermelon chunks in a blender.
- Add the cranberry juice, cold water, and lime juice (if you’re using it).
- Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth.
- Taste test and add your honey or sweetener if needed.
- Give it another quick blend to ensure everything is well combined.
- Pour over ice in a tall glass, and serve immediately. You can garnish with a watermelon wedge or mint leaf if you’re feeling fancy.