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Agua Fresca Recipe

Agua Fresca

(Mexican fresh fruit beverage)

Yield: about 2 1/2 quarts


INGREDIENTS PREP AMOUNT
Fresh fruit (see notes) chopped coarsely 3 cups
Water 6-8 cups
Sugar 1/2 to 3/4 cups
Lime juice (opt.) 1/4 cup

METHOD

Basic Steps:  Puree → Strain → Sweeten → Chill
  1. Add fruit and 2-3 cups of the water to a blender. Puree well. Strain through a sieve into a large pitcher.
  2. Add rest of water and 1/2 cup of sugar and stir well. Add more water and sugar as needed. Serve well chilled.

VARIATIONS

  • Agua de Melón: Use cantaloupe or any other melon.
  • Agua de Sandía: Use watermelon.
  • Agua de Fresa: Use strawberries.
  • Agua de Jamaica: see Sorrel Punch recipe.
  • Agua de Papaya: Use papaya. The addition of lime juice makes a tastier beverage here.
  • Agua Fresca de Pepino: Use peeled, seeded cucumbers and lime juice. Cut down on the sugar. Very refreshing.

NOTES

  • Aguas frescas are fresh fruit drinks that are very popular all over Mexico. They are typically served from large barrel-shaped glass containers. Some of the more traditional varieties are listed above. The lime juice is not necessary, but can add a welcome tartness to some aguas frescas.