Agua Frescas

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Made with real, fresh ingredients
• Naturally hydrating and full of fruity flavor
• Easy to make in large batches for gatherings
• Customizable with a wide range of fruits and flavors
• Less sugar than store-bought drinks
• Perfect for kids, teens, and adults
• Quick to prepare with just a blender and a strainer
• Beautifully colorful and great for presentation
• Naturally vegan and gluten-free
• A great alternative to soda or juice cocktails

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Fresh fruit (such as watermelon, cantaloupe, mango, pineapple, or berries)
• Cold water
• Fresh lime or lemon juice
• Sugar, agave, or honey (to taste)
• Ice
• Optional garnish: fruit slices, mint, or edible flowers

Directions

1. Wash, peel, and chop your chosen fruit.
2. In a blender, combine the fruit with water, lime or lemon juice, and sweetener.
3. Blend until smooth.
4. Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher to remove pulp or seeds (optional).
5. Taste and adjust sweetness or citrus if needed.
6. Chill in the refrigerator or serve immediately over ice.
7. Garnish with fruit slices or mint if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings and takes 10–15 minutes to prepare.

Variations

• Watermelon Agua Fresca: Use seedless watermelon with a touch of lime juice.
• Mango Lime Agua Fresca: Blend ripe mango with lime juice and a pinch of salt.
• Cucumber Mint Agua Fresca: Refreshing and light with a savory twist.
• Strawberry Basil Agua Fresca: Blend strawberries and basil for a herbal note.
• Pineapple Ginger Agua Fresca: Add a slice of ginger for a spicy-sweet kick.
• Hibiscus Agua Fresca: Brew dried hibiscus flowers for a tart, ruby-red drink.
• Cantaloupe Agua Fresca: Sweet and smooth with mellow flavor.
• Coconut Agua Fresca: Blend coconut water with fruit for a tropical touch.
• Spicy Tamarind: Add tamarind paste and chili powder for a tangy, bold version.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store in the refrigerator in a sealed container or pitcher for up to 2 days. Stir before serving as separation may occur.
• Reheating: Not applicable. Agua frescas are best served cold.

FAQs

What exactly is an agua fresca?

Agua fresca is a light, non-carbonated drink made from blended fresh fruit, water, sweetener, and sometimes citrus.

Can I use frozen fruit?

Yes, frozen fruit works well and can help chill the drink faster.

How sweet should it be?

Sweetness is personal. Start with less and adjust after blending to your taste.

Should I strain the drink?

It’s optional. Straining gives a smoother texture, but keeping the pulp adds fiber and richness.

Can I make it without added sugar?

Yes, use ripe fruit and skip sweetener, or use a natural sugar alternative.

What’s the best fruit to use?

Any soft, ripe fruit works well—watermelon, mango, berries, and pineapple are all great choices.

Can I make agua frescas in advance?

Yes, you can make them up to 1–2 days ahead. Stir or shake before serving.

Are agua frescas healthy?

They can be! They’re naturally hydrating and contain the nutrients of fresh fruit, especially when low in added sugar.

Can I mix fruits?

Absolutely. Combinations like mango-pineapple or strawberry-watermelon taste amazing together.

Are they caffeine-free?

Yes, unless you add tea or other caffeinated ingredients. Traditional fruit agua frescas are caffeine-free.

Conclusion

Agua Frescas are the ultimate refreshing drink—simple, delicious, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re keeping it classic with watermelon or getting creative with fruit blends and herbs, this light and fruity beverage is perfect for hot days, parties, or just staying hydrated in a fun and flavorful way. Once you try one, you’ll want to make a different version every week.

Agua Frescas

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Agua Frescas are traditional Mexican beverages made by blending fresh fruit, water, and a bit of sweetener for a light, naturally hydrating drink. They’re easy to customize, perfect for warm weather, and a colorful alternative to sugary sodas.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10–15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Beverages
• Method: Blended
• Cuisine: Mexican
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

• 3 cups fresh fruit (such as watermelon, mango, pineapple, berries, or cantaloupe), peeled and chopped
• 2 to 3 cups cold water
• 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh lime or lemon juice
• 1 to 3 tablespoons sugar, honey, or agave syrup (to taste)
• Ice, for serving
• Optional garnish: fruit slices, mint leaves, or edible flowers

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Instructions

1. Wash, peel, and chop your chosen fruit.
2. Add the fruit, water, lime or lemon juice, and sweetener to a blender.
3. Blend until smooth.
4. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher if a smoother drink is desired.
5. Taste and adjust sweetness or citrus level if needed.
6. Chill in the refrigerator or serve immediately over ice.
7. Garnish with fruit slices or mint, if desired.

Notes

• Use very ripe fruit for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
• Frozen fruit can be used and helps keep the drink cold.
• Straining is optional but makes for a smoother drink texture.
• Mix and match fruits and herbs for unique flavor combinations.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 glass (about 1.5 cups)
• Calories: 60
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 5mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg