Ah, summer. It’s that time when the sun’s relentless heat drives us to seek refuge in cool, refreshing drinks—like agua fresca, which is basically summer in a glass. Whether you’re lounging on your porch or hiding from the heat indoors (fans blasting, of course), these 25 irresistible recipes promise a tidal wave of fruity flavors—watermelon, cucumber, pineapple, and more—that’ll make you forget the thermometer’s climbing.
Steps
- Combine four cups of freshly chopped fruit with three cups of water, one to two tablespoons of a sweetener like maple syrup, and the juice of one lime in a blender.
- Blend the ingredients until the mixture is completely smooth. If desired, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a large pitcher to remove any sediment or pulp.
- Taste the agua fresca and adjust the sweetness if necessary. Serve the drink immediately over ice, or refrigerate it for up to 72 hours, stirring before serving as the liquid may separate over time.
Ingredients
- 4 cups of freshly chopped fruit
- 3 cups of water
- 1 tablespoon of maple syrup or preferred sweetener
- Juice of 1 lime
FAQ
- What exactly is Agua Fresca?
- Agua fresca is a refreshing, non-alcoholic beverage made from fresh fruits, vegetables, or seeds mixed with water and a bit of sweetener. It is popular in Mexico and Central America and can often be found at street vendor stalls, as well as in restaurants and juice bars.
- Which fruits are best for making Agua Fresca?
- The best fruits to use for agua fresca are those that are naturally sweet or very refreshing. Some top choices include watermelon, honeydew, pineapple, cantaloupe, strawberries, guava, papaya, and cucumber. Fruits like blackberries and blueberries are not ideal due to their seediness and pulpiness.
- Can I make Agua Fresca ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare agua fresca in advance. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 72 hours. However, be sure to stir it well before serving as the ingredients may separate over time.
- Do I need to strain the Agua Fresca?
- Straining is not mandatory, but it helps remove any sediment from fruits like pineapple and cantaloupe, resulting in a smoother drink. Watermelon typically doesn’t require straining unless you want to remove froth or pulp.
- How can I customize my Agua Fresca?
- Feel free to get creative by mixing different fruits or adding herbs and spices. Fresh mint pairs well with many fruits, while ginger adds an exciting twist, especially with pineapple. Adjust the sweetness to your liking using your preferred sweetener.
Tips
- When choosing fruits for your agua fresca, opt for naturally sweet varieties like watermelon, honeydew, or pineapple. These fruits provide a refreshing taste and require less added sweetener.
- If you’re using fruits like pineapple or cantaloupe, consider straining the blended mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove any pulp or sediment, resulting in a smoother drink.
- Always start with a smaller amount of sweetener and adjust according to taste, as some fruits are naturally sweeter than others.
- Experiment with adding fresh herbs or spices, such as mint or ginger, to create unique flavor combinations and enhance the refreshing quality of your agua fresca.
Equipment
- Blender – Essential for pureeing the fruit and other ingredients.
- Fine Mesh Sieve – Useful for straining the mixture to remove sediment and pulp.
- Large Pitcher – Needed for serving or storing the agua fresca.
- Juice Jars – Optional, but handy for storing the drink in the refrigerator.
