Strawberry Agua Fresca

Fans of Mexican food are likely familiar with aguas frescas, the thirst-quenching fruit coolers that are the perfect thing to sip on a hot summer day. Spanish for “fresh waters” or “cool waters,” these refreshing drinks are sold at taco stands and other street vendors throughout Mexico, and are common on the menus at Mexican restaurants in the States. 

This summery agua fresca showcases the classic combination of strawberries and mint. Giving the strawberries some time to hang out with sugar before you blend the berries up with water and lime juice really helps soften the fruit and intensify its flavors. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step—but don’t skip over straining the berries, which removes the tiny seeds that make the drink gritty otherwise.

Naturally sweet and non-alcoholic, strawberry agua fresca will be a hit with everyone from kiddos to grandparents. But if you’re in the mood for a cocktail, just add a shot of gin, vodka, or white rum. Feel free to swap in in any other berry like blackberries or raspberries, but you may need to add a bit more sugar depending on the sweetness of the fruit.

What Is Agua Fresca?

Aguas frescas are non-alcoholic beverages typically made with fruits, spices, flowers, seeds, or even vegetables, along with a sweetener like sugar and water. Each person's recipe for an agua fresca varies, but the basic idea is the same: Create a fruit puree, and mix it with water for a fruity but refreshing drink.

Aguas frescas are popular in Mexico and Latin American countries. In the U.S., they're typically found at taco trucks, Mexican restaurants, or in Hispanic grocery stores. Canned varieties are also available widely.

Ingredients for Strawberry Agua Fresca

This refreshing beverage is easy to make and only calls for a handful of ingredients. It's also easily customized to fit what's in your fridge or fruit basket.

• Strawberries: The sweeter the berries, the less sugar you'll need. You can also mix and match with other fruits for a flavor of your choice.
• Sugar: You'll sprinkle sugar on the berries to draw out their natural juices and enhance the sweetness.
• Lime juice: This citrus juice adds brightness and elevates the strawberry flavor.
• Water: You have to have water for a "fresh water" drink.
• Ice: For serving once chilled.
• Mint sprigs: For garnish, so it's optional. You could use strawberries as a garnish, too.

How To Make Strawberry Agua Fresca

Once you learn how to make strawberry agua fresca, you'll want to make aguas frescas of all sorts and get creative with fruits, veggies, herbs, and more.

• Step 1. Macerate the berries: Sprinkle the prepared berries with sugar, and let them sit to draw out natural moisture and sweetness.
• Step 2. Blend berries: Add the macerated berries and lime juice to the blender, and process until smooth.
• Step 3. Strain berry mixture: Pour berry mixture into a fine mesh sieve, and use a spoon or spatula to push mixture through. Discard remaining solids.
• Step 4. Add water: Pour remaining berry mixture into a pitcher, and add water.
• Step 5. Chill: Put pitcher of strawberry agua fresca in fridge to chill several hours.
• Step 6. Garnish, and serve: Pour drink over ice, and garnish with mint sprigs or strawberries.

Variations and Tips

While this recipe calls for strawberries only, you can always add other fruits to the berry mixture. Consider blackberries, raspberries, or kiwi.

If you want a bubbly option, chill the berry mixture immediately after straining, then add chilled sparkling water just before serving over ice.

Storing Strawberry Agua Fresca

If you have leftovers, cover the pitcher, and put it in the refrigerator. The drink will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Stir with a long wooden spoon before pouring another glass.