Strawberry Agua Fresca (agua fresca de fresa) is a simple Mexican refreshment made with fresh summer strawberries, water, and a touch of sweetener.
Agua fresca literally means “fresh water” and refers to fruit-flavored water drinks popular in Mexico. Unlike juice, which is primarily fruit, agua fresca is mostly water with fruit blended or strained into it, producing a light, hydrating beverage perfect for hot weather or festive occasions like Cinco de Mayo.
Because agua fresca is made mainly of water, it feels lighter and more thirst-quenching than pure fruit juice. The fruit provides fresh flavor and color while the water keeps the drink refreshing and easy to sip.
What Sweetener Should I Use in Agua Fresca?
For a smooth, inexpensive option, use simple syrup (equal parts granulated sugar and water heated until the sugar dissolves). Simple syrup blends easily into cold drinks and gives a clean, even sweetness ideal for agua fresca.
If you prefer granulated sugar, know that it can take time and stirring to dissolve in cold water. One workaround is to macerate the sugar with sliced strawberries: sprinkle sugar over the fruit and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes or more. The sugar will draw out juices and create a syrupy mixture.
Natural sweeteners like honey and agave nectar also work well. Pure honey can be thick and slower to dissolve in cold liquids; warming it slightly helps. Agave nectar dissolves readily in cold beverages and is sweeter than sugar, so use less when substituting.
Strawberry Agua Fresca
This strawberry agua fresca is bright, lightly sweet, and easy to make. Fresh strawberries are blended with cold water, a little simple syrup, and a splash of lime juice to enhance brightness. The result is a naturally flavored, pretty-colored drink that highlights the taste of fresh berries.
Can I Use Other Fruit?
Yes. Agua fresca can be made with almost any fruit. Melons and apples work well when peeled, cored, and blended into water. Berries blend easily but their seeds can be noticeable, so straining is recommended if you prefer a smoother texture.
For fine seeds, use cheesecloth inside a fine mesh strainer to remove small particles. Fibrous fruits like pineapple benefit from straining for a smoother mouthfeel. Citrus can be juiced and added directly to the water for a bright flavor.
If you enjoy creamier beverages, try making a de leche version by substituting part of the water or syrup with sweetened condensed milk. This variation yields a rich, dessert-like agua fresca with a luscious texture.
Strawberry Agua Fresca
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
- ½ cup + simple syrup* (recipe in instructions)
- ⅓ cup lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 8 cups cold water
- extra strawberries and limes for garnish, optional
Instructions
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Make simple syrup by combining 1 cup water and 1 cup granulated sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to simmer. Remove from heat and cool. (Yields about 1 ¼ cups simple syrup.)
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In a blender, combine the strawberries, ½ cup simple syrup, and 1 cup cold water. Blend until smooth.
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Place a fine mesh strainer (lined with cheesecloth if desired) over a large pitcher. Pour the blended strawberry mixture through the strainer and press with a spatula to extract the liquid. Discard the seeds and pulp.
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Add the remaining 7 cups cold water and the lime juice to the pitcher. Stir and adjust sweetness with more simple syrup if needed. Chill or serve over ice.
Notes
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