WATERMELON AGUA FRESCA MOCKTAIL RECIPE
We’re well and truly into summer now so I think another mocktail might be in order to keep that holiday vibe going! Who’s with me? And what better ingredient to use than THE quintessential summer fruit that is watermelon?
Summertime feels full of contradictions, we’re encouraged to party and live ‘carefree’ whilst simultaneously warned to be ‘beach body ready’. The pressure is real! Though I think the argument has been settled and we’re all beach body ready all the time because every body is FAB, I personally like to feel as if I can enjoy myself without counting calories whilst still maintaining a look that feels most ‘me’, especially during the warmer summer months.
Since entering peri-menopause that has meant being a little more thoughtful about what I eat and drink in order to allow joyous eating AND keeping my body in shape to coexist simultaneously! So that begs the question, how can indulgence and optimal health go hand in hand? The secret for me this summer lies in enjoying more foods like watermelon!
Wait what?! Hear me out!
Watermelon is known for its refreshing qualities; it’s the ultimate cool-down snack and one of the best ways to stay hydrated while satisfying my sweet tooth too (and if you know me, you KNOW I have a terrible sweet tooth!). BUT, there is so much more to it than that!
Nutritional value OF WATERMELON
Nutritionally speaking, watermelon has a lot to offer. Vitamins A, C and B6, potassium, beta carotene, antioxidants and amino acids such as citrulline and lycopene are all found in this delicious summer treat. In addition, watermelon is low in calories and most importantly it has a low glycemic load which means it doesn’t cause major blood glucose spikes, compared to a cookie or bar of chocolate, whilst still feeling like a special summer treat! As about 90% of watermelon - as the name suggests - is water, it’s also a snack that keeps me fuller for longer meaning I don’t feel inclined to reach for another sweet treat straight afterwards!
Due to its nutrients this super healthy fruit has been linked to potential improvement in:
Eye health
Strength of the immune system
Muscle soreness
Skin health
Digestion
Blood sugar levels
Blood pressure
How awesome is that?
How to choose a good watermelon
A good watermelon will be firm and heavy for its size. The yellow spot (where it sat on the ground while growing) should be yellow not white as the latter means it was picked too soon! Some say if you pat the watermelon with an open palm it should have a hollow sound and feel.
Other ways to enjoy watermelon
Did you know you can actually eat the whole entire watermelon, not just the pink flesh?! The white part near the rind might not be the sweetest but it’s nutritious, and the seeds have protein! The seeds are best enjoyed sprouted or roasted like pumpkin seeds. The rind can be pickled, stewed or added to a stir fry!
A few more ideas for the pink flesh are:
Add it to salads like I did here in this recipe
Freeze in popsicles or ice cubes and add to summer drinks or smoothies
Lightly grill it (2 minutes each side should do it)
And of course, pop it in the blender for a delicious, refreshing and healthy drink! Just like I did here with this yummy mocktail.
I chose to combine the watermelon with cucumber, as cucumber is another nutritious and refreshing summer food. Also high in water content, it lends itself wonderfully to being blended. Its flavour is subtle yet distinctive and beautifully balances out the sweetness of the watermelon. I chose to leave the skin on to maximise nutrient content (the peel contains fibre, vitamins and minerals) and avoid food waste, however it does give the drink a cloudy look so if you prefer a clearer result you can always peel the cucumber before adding it.
Wanna see how I made it and get a glimpse “behind the scenes”? Here’s my Watermelon Agua Fresca Reel! Or maybe you’d like some tips on how to elevate your own drinks styling? I’ve got you covered! Head on HERE to get a FREE download with my best pointers!
If you make this mocktail, or a Reel of how you made any drink, I would love to see it ;) So don’t forget to tag me @thelittleplantation!
Mocktail Recipe: Watermelon Agua Fresca
A deliciously refreshing mocktail with watermelon, cucumber and lime
Preparation time: 3-5 min
Serves: 3-4
INGREDIENTS
2 cups diced watermelon, skin and seeds removed
1/2 cup cucumber, washed and chopped
Juice of 1 lime
1 cup water
INSTRUCTIONS
Place all the ingredients in a blender.
Pour the blended mixture through a sieve of strainer.
Refrigerate until super cold OR serve with LOTS of ice.
Note: I didn’t add sweetener because to me it feels just right as it is, but if you like your mocktails sweet, add a tablespoon of maple syrup.
P.S. By blending the watermelon and cucumber and pouring it through a sieve, you do loose some fibre and with that slightly increase the glycemic load. As the drink is diluted with water and lime juice it’s still mighty healthy and for me the perfect balance between indulgence and health, but I though I’d mention it for clarity.
Looking for more refreshing drinks recipes? Try THIS beer mocktail recipe or THIS vegan mango and coconut float.