Sweet, tangy and fruity, the Agua Fresca is sure to keep your thirst quelled.
Tonight’s recipe is one that might be familiar to you. At first, I thought that agua fresca could only be found in places like Mexico, South America and the Caribbean. And while that is correct, and today’s drink is quite popular in those locales, I personally have run across this drink a number of times throughout my life right here in the United States.
Agua fresca is a concoction comprised of water, blended fruit, lime juice and sugar. The result is a refreshing and hydrating drink that’s both sweet and oftentimes minty. When I lived in New York City, I would see giant jugs of it for sale in bodegas and delis. Here in Los Angeles, I will usually order a horchata-style agua fresca with my fish tacos.
This is also a drink that you don’t realize you really, really want on a hot day, until you begin to sip on one that is. Then that polite sip gets a little greedy as your thirst takes over. Before you know it, you’re gulping serving after serving of this satisfying and recharging potion, not leaving any for anybody else whose throat may be a little dry.
Good thing there’s a recipe for it below.
What is the best alcohol to use in an agua fresca?
This is another thirst-quenching and satisfying beverage that the whole family can enjoy, as there’s nary a drop of alcohol that’s in it. Sure, once the kids go off to bed, you can add a little rum or vodka to a glass or two if you like, but that’s an option that’s totally up to you.
Ingredients
- 4 cups chopped fruit such as watermelon, cantaloupe, or strawberries
- 2 cups cold water
- 1/4 cup of fresh lime juice from about 2 limes
- 2-4 tablespoons of granulated sugar or agave nectar to taste
- Fresh mint sprigs and lime wedges for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Place the chopped fruit, water, lime juice, and sugar in a blender.
- Blend until the mixture is smooth. Taste the agua fresca and add more sweetener if desired, blending again to combine.
- Pour the blended mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher. Chill in the refrigerator.
- Stir before serving and serve over ice with a straw. Garnish each glass with a fresh mint sprig or lime wedge, if desired.
Nutrition
What glassware and garnish are used?
When pouring this drink out to serve, you can use any variety of cups or glasses for cold beverages. Pour over ice and garnish with a fresh sprig or two of mint, as well as a juicy lime wedge on top.
What is the best fruit to use in this recipe?
This is really a matter of preference. The “best” of anything sometimes just boils down to what you personally like and what makes you happy. Our recipe suggests trying this drink with watermelon, cantaloupe or strawberries, but feel free to make some with whatever causes your mouth to water.
Similar drinks to the agua fresca
It’s been an extra hot end of summer, and you and your friends are still enjoying the heat as well as the pool. You’ve even told the neighbors to bring their kids over, and since you’ll be keeping an all-ages crowd happy, you might want a few booze-free recipes handy to whip up at a moment’s notice.
- Cucumber Water – A most refreshing, crisp and tasty sip of water.
- Brazilian Lemonade – Creamy, sweet and the right amount of tart.
- Cucumber Lemonade – Here’s another simple and delicious way to cool off.
- Disneyland Mint Julep – Enjoy this big batch mixture with the whole family.
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