This Aguas Frescas Recipe Is So Easy & Versatile
Originating in Mexico, agua fresca is a drink made from fresh fruit, lime juice, water, a sweetener like sugar or agave, and often fresh herbs, like mint. They’re often found at farmer's markets, bodegas, and taquerias all across Latin America and now, the U.S. Healthy and refreshing, aguas frescas are low in added sugar and packed with fresh ingredients, making them perfect for adults and children alike! Plus, they’re easy to make at home. Simply blend ripe fruit with water, sweetener, and lime juice and there you have it! Put out some fresh Guacamole, and call it a day.
Aguas Frescas Ingredients
- Fruit. We’ll share our favorite fruits for aguas frescas below, but you can even use veggies such as cucumber, celery, and beets. Some agua fresca recipes use rice, seeds, or even hibiscus flowers! How will you make your aguas frescas?
- Sugar
- Lime
- Mint
The Best Fruit For Agua Fresca
- Peaches
- Cantaloupe
- Watermelon
- Mango
- Pineapple
- Honeydew melon
- Strawberries
- Cucumber (technically a fruit! Weird, we know.)
How To Make Aguas Frescas
- Prep the fruit! Use your favorite chefs knife to cut fruit into small chunks, and remove any inedible parts such as skins and pits.
- Blend! Place the water, sweetener, and your fresh fruit in the blender. Pulverize until it’s completely combined.
- Optional: Strain! For fruits that have small seeds, such as raspberries or blackberries, you might want to use a fine mesh strainer or sieve for extra smooth drinking.
- Stir in lime juice and mint! Add in freshly squeezed lime juice and mint!
- Garnish! Traditionally, aguas frescas are served in large jugs with a ladle, but a pitcher works just fine. We serve ours over ice, garnished with a sprig of fresh mint and a slice of lime.
- Serve! Agua fresca is the perfect partner for all your mexican food favorites! Serve your homemade agua fresca with Carne asada tacos, homemade corn tortilla chips, guacamole, salsa verde, or even our cauliflower tacos.
Tips For Making The Best Agua Fresca
Start light on the sugar — you can always add more! you might prefer more sugar. To add sweetness after tasting, dissolve ¼ cup sugar in hot water. Let cool and stir desired amount into the pitcher. Makes 32 ounces.
Make your agua fresca carbonated by topping it off with sparkling water.
Turn it into a grown-up cocktail! Add a splash of tequila, vodka or your favorite spirit (gin works well, too!). Shake it with ice for an extra cool treat, and add a slice of lime.
Mix it up with the herbs you use. For example, try swapping basil for the mint in the watermelon agua fresca or substituting the type of sweetener for your preferred choice (such as honey, agave, or even piloncillo).
Choose the best fruit. The quality of your fruit really matters here, since the fruit is the star of your agua fresca! Look for whatever is the most ripe and fresh.
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