This agua de fresa, also known as strawberry agua fresca, is a healthy and refreshing Mexican drink made with only 3 ingredients – strawberries, water, and a touch of sugar!
Aguas frescas are the perfect healthy drink for groups of friends, families, or even just a pitcher for two. Since you can use any fruit, it can be customized to what you prefer, what might be in season, or simply with what’s already in the kitchen. This recipe uses strawberries which are usually in season between February and May but can be found year round in most grocery stores. That’s why this agua fresca recipe is one of my favorites!
It’s best served chilled and over ice and can be garnished with some mint leaf sprigs and lime wedges for a little extra brightness.
More Aguas Frescas
There are many flavors of aguas frescas made from different ingredients, including fruits, teas, and even rice! Here are some different aguas frescas to enjoy:
- Cucumber – Agua de Pepino
- Tamarind – Agua de Tamarindo
- Hibiscus – Agua de Jamaica
- Rice and Almond – Horchata
- Watermelon – Agua de Sandia
- Cantaloupe – Agua de Melon
- Pineapple – Agua de Piña
Ingredients
- Strawberries: Bright red whole strawberries are preferred since we’ll be blending them up.
- Water: Simple, clean, cold water.
- Granulated sugar: To sweeten the drink just a bit. This is entirely optional depending on the sweetness of the fruit. Start with very little, then adjust the amount as you go. You could also use a different sweetener if you prefer.
How to Make Agua de Fresa
Blend the strawberries, water, and sugar in a large blender until smooth. You may have to do this in batches if your blender isn’t big enough.
Strain the mixture into a pitcher to remove any seeds.
Take a sip and taste. Stir in more sugar if desired. Serve the agua de fresa over ice with a lime wedge and mint!
Make It Creamy – Agua de Fresa Cremosa
This agua de fresa recipe is a water-based drink, but there’s also a popular variation, agua de fresa cremosa, that makes it a creamy beverage instead!
To make agua de fresa cremosa, omit the sugar and add in 12 ounces of evaporated milk and ½ cup of sweetened condensed milk.
Tips
- The sweetness of the drink will vary depending on the sweetness of the strawberries. For a less sweet agua fresca, only use half of the sugar or replace it completely with a different sweetener like honey or agave syrup.
- You can add the juice of one lime for a citrus twist.
- Garnish with mint leaves for an even more refreshing flavor.
Recommended Tools
- Blender: A powerful blender is a must when blending fruit to make sure it all gets smooth.
- Strainer: This one comes in 3 different sizes and is perfect for straining any aguas frescas.
- Pitcher: Here’s a great glass pitcher with a lid that fits perfectly in the fridge!
Storing
To store, place leftover agua de fresa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Agua de Fresa
Ingredients
- 1 pound strawberries, hulled and rinsed
- 6 cups water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Add the strawberries, water, and sugar into a large blender. Blend for 1 to 2 minutes until smooth. You may have to do this in batches if your blender isn't big enough.
- Taste and blend in more sugar if desired. Strain the mixture into a pitcher to remove any seeds and pulp.
- Serve immediately over ice or chill in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Garnish with lime wedges and mint sprigs if desired.
Notes
- For a less sweet agua fresca, only use half of the sugar.
- You can add the juice of one lime for a citrus twist.
- Garnish with mint leaves for an even more refreshing flavor.
- You can replace the sugar with your preferred sweetener, like honey or agave syrup.
Nutrition Information
Photos by Erin Jensen of The Wooden Skillet.
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