Introduction

Melon water is one of the most refreshing and traditional beverages in the Mexican agua fresca repertoire , very popular in markets, restaurants, and homes, especially on hot days. This version, enriched with evaporated milk , gives it a creamy touch that combines beautifully with the melon’s natural sweetness, making it an even more comforting and satisfying drink.

Thanks to its simple preparation, this agua fresca has earned a place in everyday meals, providing an excellent way to hydrate with flavor and freshness , taking advantage of the benefits of melon, a fruit rich in water, vitamin A, and antioxidants. It also allows for adjustments to taste in terms of sweetness and creaminess, making it ideal for the whole family.

History of Melon Water


Melon water , like many other fresh waters, has its roots deeply rooted in traditional Mexican cuisine , a cuisine that has managed to integrate seasonal fruits with creativity and simplicity to create drinks that hydrate and nourish, especially in warm climates.

Since pre-Hispanic times, the indigenous peoples of Mesoamerica have been using fruits such as cacao, sapote, mamey, and others to create natural beverages. Although melon is not native to the Americas (it is believed to have originated in Africa or Asia, and arrived on the continent with European colonizers), it was quickly adopted and cultivated in Mexico, primarily for its adaptability to the climate and its refreshing flavor.

Evaporated milk , for its part, began to gain popularity in Latin America in the 20th century, when its durability and flavor made it a practical option for enriching beverages and desserts without the need for constant refrigeration. It was only a matter of time before Mexican cooks and housewives began experimenting with the fusion of fruit and milk, giving rise to creamy versions of agua fresca (fresh drinks) such as melon, guava, and banana.

These types of drinks were not only served in homes, but also in restaurants, street stalls, and at family celebrations. Melon water with evaporated milk became very popular for its smooth and comforting flavor , making it perfect for both children and adults.

Today, this drink is a classic that continues to be passed down from generation to generation, evoking nostalgia for home, family lunches, and sunny days. With its simple preparation and refreshing properties, it remains a treasure of traditional Mexican cuisine that never fades.

Ingredients

  • ½ cantaloupe melon (ripe, peeled, seedless)
  • 5 to 6 tablespoons of sugar (adjust to taste according to the sweetness of the melon)
  • 1 can of evaporated milk (approximately 360 ml)
  • 2 liters of drinking water
  • Ice to taste

 Tip: You can substitute some of the water with regular milk if you want a creamier texture or use coconut milk for a different version.

Detailed Preparation

 Prepare the melon:
Wash the outside of the melon well before cutting it. Remove the rind, making sure to completely remove the green part closest to the skin (as this can give it a bitter taste). Cut into medium cubes and remove all the seeds.

 Blend the base mixture:
Place the diced melon, sugar, evaporated milk, and 1 cup of water (of the 2 liters) in the blender. Blend everything for 1 to 2 minutes until you have a smooth, homogeneous mixture without lumps.

 Add the remaining water:
Pour the contents of the blender into a large pitcher or beverage container. Add the remaining water (approximately 1.9 liters) and mix well with a large spoon.

 Add ice:
Add ice cubes to taste. You can also refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving for a nice cold and refreshing drink.

 Serve and enjoy:
Serve in tall glasses with more ice if desired. Garnish with thin melon slices or a sprig of mint for a visual and aromatic touch.

Texture and Flavor

This drink has a slightly creamy texture thanks to the evaporated milk, yet it’s still fluid and refreshing like a classic agua fresca. The flavor is sweet, fruity, and smooth , dominated by ripe melon with a subtle milky note that makes it very comforting. It’s a drink that’s effortless to enjoy and leaves a lasting feeling of freshness.

Consumer Context

Melon water with milk is perfect for:

  • Home-cooked meals on hot days.
  • Family gatherings , children’s parties or weekend meals.
  • As a drink to accompany typical Mexican dishes such as tacos, enchiladas, sopes, etc.
  • It can also be offered at buffets or celebrations such as baptisms or birthdays, where it is served alongside other fresh waters.

Visual Aspect

It’s usually a pastel melon or light orange color , with a slightly cloudy appearance due to the mixture of melon and milk. When served with ice, it looks fresh and appetizing. It can be garnished with small melon cubes or sprigs of mint to enhance its presentation.

Curiosities

  • Melon contains about 90% water , making it ideal for natural hydration.
  • In Mexico, many versions of agua fresca con leche include cinnamon or vanilla, which can also be adapted to this recipe.
  • In some states, melon is mixed with other fruits such as papaya or mango to achieve more tropical combinations.

Nutritional Value (Estimated per serving of 1 250 ml glass)

  • Calories: 120–150 kcal (depending on the amount of sugar)
  • Sugars: 18–22 g
  • Fat: 3–5 g (mainly from evaporated milk)
  • Protein: 2–3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22–28 g
  • Fiber: Approx. 1 g.
  • Featured vitamins: Vitamin A, C, some B complex

You can use light evaporated milk or natural sweeteners like honey or stevia for a lighter version.

Questions for Reflection

  1. What other types of milk do you think could be used to give this recipe a different twist?
  2. Have you tried other agua fresca with milk, such as banana or guava? Which do you like best?
  3. Which presentation do you find more attractive: served in a tall glass with ice or in a jar with decorative fruit?
  4. Do you think melon water with milk could become a breakfast or snack drink? Why?

Additional Benefits

  1. Natural Hydration:
    Melon is a fruit rich in water (up to 90%), which helps maintain proper hydration, especially in hot climates or after physical activity.
  2. Source of Vitamins:
    Provides vitamin A (good for eyesight and skin), vitamin C (strengthens the immune system) and small amounts of B vitamins, essential for metabolism.
  3. Aids Digestion:
    Thanks to its fiber and water content, melon can help improve digestion and prevent constipation.
  4. Quick Energy:
    The combination of fruit and milk provides natural sugars and fast-absorbing carbohydrates, ideal for times when you need an energy boost.
  5. Low-fat (light version):
    Since it does not contain fried ingredients or excessive saturated fats, it can be a healthy option if you control the amount of sugar and choose low-fat evaporated milk.

Interesting Facts

  • The cantaloupe melon , also known as the “Chinese melon,” is one of the sweetest and most aromatic varieties. Its name comes from Cantalupo in Sabina, a town in Italy where it was cultivated extensively in the Middle Ages.
  • In some regions of Mexico, melon water is prepared by combining it with cinnamon sticks or even a touch of vanilla , creating unique and traditional versions.
  • This drink is a perfect example of the concept of “ leftover cooking ”: you can use very ripe melons that you no longer want to eat in pieces, transforming them into a delicious drink.
  • In countries like Guatemala or El Salvador , it is also common to see similar versions with milk, although with different local names.
  • In the world of baking and mixology, melon is gaining popularity as an ingredient in smoothies, popsicles, and non-alcoholic cocktails .

Other Useful Information

  • You can make this water with frozen melon for a frappé or slush drink.
  • If you’re looking to cut calories, you can use unsweetened almond milk or light evaporated milk, and replace the sugar with natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit .
  • You can also add a touch of lemon juice to enhance the flavor of the melon and balance the sweetness.

Conclusion

Melon water with evaporated milk is not only a delicious and refreshing drink, but also a homemade and nutritious option that suits different palates. With simple and accessible ingredients, this recipe provides a smooth, sweet, and slightly creamy sensory experience, perfect for accompanying meals or enjoyed on its own at any time of day.

In addition to its flavor, this beverage stands out for its cultural value , as it is one of the typical drinks served in pitchers at the Mexican table. Its preparation invites us to keep family culinary traditions alive, while also offering room for creativity (by adding cinnamon, mint, or even substituting milk for liquid yogurt for a lighter version).

In short, melon water with milk is more than a drink: it’s a reflection of home, freshness and flavor , ideal for sharing and enjoying in any season.