Strawberry Agua Fresca

As refreshing to look at as it is to taste, Strawberry Agua Fresca has flowed from Mexico to brighten your drink.

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Who wouldn’t want to feel like they’re on a beach, basking in sunlight and sipping a sweet drink? No matter the time of year, strawberry agua fresca can help you transcend the season and savor a relaxing moment of refreshment. Made with fresh strawberries and lime juice, it has the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, providing an afternoon pick-me-up that’s great for both adults and kids. You might even feel like a kid again yourself after a few syrupy sips!

Got a family potluck or barbecue to attend? Make a big batch of this ruby red drink and put the pitcher front-and-center on the picnic table. Even if it’s the coldest time of year, you can whip it up indoors to create a zen-and-zesty potion that brightens your day. You could even serve it instead of wine or beer at a holiday party. After all, it is the right color for Christmas! Whether you’ve got winter blues or summertime heat waves, strawberry agua fresca can be a one-way ticket to your own personal paradise.

Is Strawberry Agua Fresca Healthy?

While this drink might seem healthy because it’s made with fresh fruit juice, it still has a lot of sugar in it, so this is best enjoyed once in a while. Overall, strawberry agua fresca is gluten-free and vegan, which means you can sip and savor this beverage with friends, even if they follow different diets. It’s also completely non-alcoholic, so you can serve it at sober parties.

A Historical Refresher On Agua Fresca

Literally meaning “fresh water” in Spanish, agua fresca originated in Mexico, supposedly as an Aztec hydration method. Some say that various versions with different fruit juices were made by Aztecs long before Spanish colonials came, and I like to think that’s true. How cool would it be to enjoy the same kind of drink that the ancients did? It adds a whole new level of reflection to the refreshing experience!

Regardless of its exact origins in history, agua fresca has become a popular drink in modern Mexico and the southwest United States. It’s commonly sold by street vendors, restaurants, and juice bars. But the beauty is, we can make it right here in our very own home.

INGREDIENTS

4 cups water
1/4 cup granulated sugar
16 ounces fresh strawberries, hulled
1/3 cup fresh lime juice

INSTRUCTIONS

Mix
Combine sugar with water until dissolved.

Blend
Process strawberries and mix with lime juice.

Serve
Enjoy over ice, garnished if desired.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store

Store in a well-sealed jar or a covered pitcher in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can portion the concentrated juice mixture into ice cube trays and mix them with water later. If it’s already blended with water, you can pour the agua fresca into large freezer-safe containers and freeze for about 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving cold.

What Is Agua Fresca Made Of?

There are many kinds of agua frescas, but all have some kind of fruity or flowery base that’s mixed with sugar water to create a vibrant sweet drink. Sometimes, even cereals or seeds are used as the flavoring, such as horchata or chia.

How to Make Agua Fresca Even More Flavorful

One of the easiest and yummiest ways to amp up the flavor of agua fresca is by adding fresh herbs like mint or basil. This adds an aromatic dimension to the drink that dances across the palate and creates a nice aftertaste.

Serving Suggestions

Typically, strawberry agua fresca is enjoyed over ice with slices of strawberries and limes. Some drinkers like to rim their glasses with sugar or salt. If you go the salty route, I suggest using pink Himalayan salt because it matches the pretty drink.

If you’d like to harmonize this drink with a meal, I suggest Chicken Empanadas and Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice, or some Grilled Quesadillas with this Guacamole Salsa and Mexican Street Corn Salad. These savory dishes make great companions to the sweet and sublime strawberry agua fresca.