Print

Refreshing Grilled Watermelon Agua Fresca with Chili Salt

grilled watermelon agua fresca - featured image
Print Recipe

A smoky, sweet, and spicy summer drink featuring grilled watermelon blended with lime juice and sweetener, served with a chili salt rim for a refreshing twist.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups cubed seedless watermelon
  • ¼ cup fresh lime juice (from 2–3 limes)
  • 2 tablespoons agave syrup, honey, or simple syrup (adjust to taste)
  • 2 cups cold water
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder (ancho chili powder recommended for smoky depth)
  • 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
  • Pinch of lime zest (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chili salt rim: In a small bowl, combine chili powder, coarse sea salt, and lime zest if using. Mix well and set aside.
  2. Cut the watermelon into thick wedges or large cubes about 1-inch thick.
  3. Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
  4. Grill watermelon pieces for 2-3 minutes per side until grill marks appear and fruit smells sweet and smoky.
  5. Remove grilled watermelon and let cool slightly.
  6. Add grilled watermelon cubes, cold water, fresh lime juice, and sweetener to a blender. Blend on high until smooth, about 30 seconds.
  7. Optional: Strain the blended mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher for a pulp-free drink.
  8. Rub lime wedge around rims of serving glasses, then dip rims into chili salt mixture to coat evenly.
  9. Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour agua fresca over.
  10. Garnish with a small wedge of grilled watermelon or a lime slice if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook the watermelon on the grill to avoid bitterness; 2-3 minutes per side is sufficient. Adjust sweetness and chili salt heat to taste. Keep the agua fresca chilled and serve immediately for best flavor. Store leftovers covered in the fridge up to 2 days and stir before serving. Rim glasses with chili salt just before serving to prevent salt from dissolving.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled watermelon, agua fresca, summer drink, chili salt, refreshing beverage, smoky watermelon, lime juice, easy drink recipe

Find it online: https://lemonydrinks.com/refreshing-grilled-watermelon-agua-fresca-recipe-easy-perfect-summer-drink-with-chili-salt/