What is Aqua Fresca?
Agua fresca (which translates to ‘fresh water’) is a non-alcholic drink that’s popular in Mexico and Central America. It can be made with fresh fruit, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, flowers (such as Hibiscus), and herbs. It’s made of natural ingredients making it a better choice than something like soda (with artificial flavors, colors and lots of high fructose corn syrup). This tasty drink can be served filtered or with the fruit pulp, though I recommend without unless you want it more like a smoothie.
What does it taste like?
Aqua fresca tastes like fruit juice but lighter. It has a nice little pop of sweetness and added vibrance from the citrus. You’ll find it’s very quick and easy to make and it’s something everyone will enjoy, especially on a hot day!
Aqua Fresca Recipe Ingredients Plus Variations
Fresh fruit: I recommend using fresh watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, or pineapple. Other options are grapes, mangoes, peaches, strawberries or cucumber. Sugar: Honey or even real maple syrup are other great options. Another way to sweeten is with stevia but you’d only need about 1/2 tsp. Lime juice: Only use fresh lime juice it makes a big difference. Lemon juice will work if that’s what you have. Cold water and ice
Best Water to Fruit Ratio
The flavor intensity of agua fresca can vary quite significantly. It really can just come down to personal preference. Some prefer it with a more concentrated fruit flavor while others enjoy it more watery. I prefer the more intense fruit flavor so I’ve found I like about 1 1/2 cups water to 4 cups fruit (plus 2 cups ice which also waters it down a little more so). You can adjust as you wish. If you are wanting to stretch the recipe you can just add another cup of water.
How to Make Agua Fresca
How to Make it Healthy
If you want a healthier aqua fresca then omit the sugar. It won’t be quite as sweet but if you use fruit that’s sweet enough it will still taste delicious.
Helpful Tips
Use the best tasting fresh fruit. It will only taste as good as the fruit you put into it. You can also use a blend of two fruits. Use cold water and chilled fruit also if possible. It makes it even more refreshing and the ice doesn’t melt as quickly. For a faster option with straining use the larger sieve and a bowl versus using a small sieve and pouring straight into a pitcher. You’ll get it strained out a lot faster and don’t have to constantly empty the sieve. Taste the fruit before you begin. If it’s super sweet you may want to consider reducing sugar, if it’s a little tart you can increase slightly.
Storage
Agua Fresca should last 2 to 3 days in the fridge. Fresh juice that hasn’t been pasteurized doesn’t keep for very long periods of time unfortunately.
More Refreshing Drinks to Try
Brazilian Limeade Horchata (another delicious Mexican drink!) Pineapple Mango Lemonade Strawberry Lemonade Watermelon lemonade
