Discover the simplicity and tastiness of Strawberry Agua Fresca, a quintessential summer drink. This Mexican classic is straightforward to prepare and has a bright, delicious flavor. Whether you’re entertaining guests or looking to beat the heat, this refreshing drink has you covered.
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Easy Strawberry Agua Fresca recipe
Looking to stay cool this summer? Look no further than agua fresca, the ultimate warm-weather fruity drink. This simple yet revitalizing flavored water is a breeze to prepare.
In Spanish, the phrase “agua fresca” translates to “fresh water,” and it lives up to its name with every sip. You can infuse it with your favorite fruits, from cucumber to fresh berries.
When it comes to sheer refreshment, strawberry steals the show. Its sweet, succulent flavor and vibrant, ruby-red color make it the perfect choice for a hot day. This recipe is a fantastic way to put those surplus gems during strawberry season.
Aguas frescas are a great choice for serving at parties as a non-alcoholic option. Or make yourself a batch to enjoy at home, whether you’re lounging at home or on the go.
More strawberry drink recipes: Strawberry Margarita • Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri • Strawberry Mule • Strawberry Martini • Strawberry Mojito
Why you’ll love this recipe
Strawberry agua fresca is full of both refreshment and flavor, making it the perfect drink for any hot summer days.
- Crafting it is a breeze. You can make it in a blender or a food processor.
- In just a few minutes, you’ll have this cool and refreshing beverage ready to sip.
- Plus, it’s an excellent way to put surplus summer strawberries to good use, especially when they seem to multiply in gardens during this time of year!
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, firing up the barbecue or simply chilling at home, this revitalizing beverage is a versatile choice sure to satisfy any palate.
The bright red color makes it an excellent choice for summer holidays, Valentine’s Day and Easter cocktails.
What is agua fresca?
In Mexico and Latin American countries, aguas frescas are a go-to choice for non-alcoholic refreshments. They are created by blending fruits, grains, flowers or seeds with a mixture of sugar and water. The resulting beverage strikes a harmonious balance between fruit juice and subtly flavored water.
This beloved beverage is beloved across Mexico and various Latin American countries, gracing the shelves of convenience stores, juice bars, restaurants and street vendors’ carts. Agua de fresa is the Spanish term for strawberry agua fresca.
Aguas frescas provide a versatile blank slate for culinary ingenuity, allowing you to experiment with a wide array of herbs and fruits. From the allure of tropical fruits like pineapple and mango to the crisp refreshment of watermelon agua fresca, the possibilities are endless.
And don’t forget about horchata, another beloved member of the aguas frescas family made with rice. Traditionally crafted from rice, it’s a delightful addition to this lineup of thirst-quenching drinks.
Tools & glassware
For this strawberry agua fresca recipe, you’ll want to gather a few essential tools:
- You may want a strawberry huller to remove the stems and white centers of the berries.
- A citrus squeezer on hand is ideal for extracting fresh lime juice.
- Your blender and a fine-mesh strainer should be at the ready to create a smooth and delightful berry infusion.
A high-speed blender works best, but a regular blender or food processor will do since you will strain the mixture anyway.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this strawberry drink recipe:
Fresh strawberries: The key to a delicious Strawberry Agua Fresca is to use fresh, ripe and sweet strawberries. The riper the fruit, the sweeter the drink will be. If possible, try to buy locally grown strawberries when they are in season for the best taste.
You’ll want to hull the berries and remove their stems. If you’re short on time, you can always buy pre-cut strawberries from the produce department at your local grocery store.
Cold water: Choose the cleanest and freshest water you have on hand, whether it’s from the tap, filtered, or bottled.
Honey: If you want to experiment with different sweetening options, consider agave nectar, a hint of sugar or even a homemade strawberry simple syrup as a great alternative.
Feel free to cut back on the amount of sugar if you like. You can also use a stevia-based option like sugar-free simple syrup, but check a conversion chart.
In fact, if your berries are perfectly ripe and in season, the sweetness of the fruit might mean you don’t need to add any sweetener at all. But if you do want to add a little extra sweetness, feel free to use your preferred sweetener.
Fresh lime juice: Although fresh lime juice is the preferred choice, lime concentrate can step in as a suitable alternative when needed. Just keep in mind it can be more tart than fresh.
The amount of lime juice you get from your lime may vary depending on the size and juiciness of your limes. If you have smaller or less juicy limes, you may need to use the whole thing to get the right amount of tangy flavor.
Ice cubes or crushed ice: For an extra-refreshing twist, crushed ice can lend your strawberry agua fresca a slushy-like consistency, elevating its overall coolness.
Variations and substitutions
Try one of these variations on this delicious fruit water recipe:
Agua de fresa con leche: Add a splash of whole milk and sweetened condensed milk to the strawberry mixture to make a creamy strawberry agua fresca.
Berry agua fresca: Try making this recipe with other types of berries, such as blackberries or blueberries.
Herbal agua fresca: Add in other flavors like fresh herbs. Mint and basil would be especially delicious with strawberries.
How to make Strawberry Agua Fresca
Ready to make this popular drink? Let’s take this simple recipe step by step!
In a blender, combine the strawberries, water, honey and lime juice.
Blend it all up until very smooth.
Strain the strawberry purée through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher or bowl. This will remove any solids or sediments from the fruit.
Chill for 1-2 hours in a large pitcher or other food-safe, airtight container. If you want to drink it immediately, pour it into glasses over ice.
Tips & tricks
Here are some tips and tricks for making this recipe:
- Experiment with texture: Strawberry seeds may get through your fine mesh strainer. If this bothers you, then first line the strainer with cheesecloth to catch the seeds.
- Garnish for extra flavor: Add some fresh mint leaves, basil or sliced lime to your Strawberry Agua Fresca for an extra burst of flavor and aroma.
- Experiment with variations: While the classic Strawberry Agua Fresca is hard to beat, you can experiment with different variations by adding other fruits, such as pineapple or mango. You can also add a splash of coconut milk or rum for a tropical twist.
What to serve with Strawberry Agua Fresca
Enjoy this refreshing strawberry drink with your favorite savory Mexican appetizers, like a hot skillet of queso fundido. Fresh guacamole and chips is always a great idea too.
If you want to go sweet, grab some chips and strawberry salsa, nosh on some margarita bars or even a batch of chocolate-covered strawberries.
FAQ
“Agua fresca” means “fresh water” in Spanish. It is a refreshing beverage made by blending fresh fruit with water, sweetener, and lime juice.
Strawberry Agua Fresca can be a healthy beverage option since it is made with fresh fruit and water. Stick to a non-processed sweetener, or eliminate it completely to keep it on the lighter side.
Yes, you can make Strawberry Agua Fresca in advance and refrigerate it for up to two days. The juice and water can separate slightly, so stir it well before serving.
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries for Strawberry Agua Fresca, but thaw them before blending.
Absolutely! If your strawberries are ripe and sweet enough, you won’t need sugar at all. If you prefer a sweeter taste, add a natural sweetener like honey or agave nectar instead of sugar.
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Strawberry Agua Fresca
ingredients
- 2 cups strawberries hulled
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice about ½ lime
- ice cubes or crushed ice for serving
- strawberry slices for garnish
- lime slices for garnish
instructions
- In a blender, combine the strawberries, water, honey and lime juice. Blend until very smooth.
- Strain the fruit mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a pitcher or bowl. This will remove any solids or sediments from the fruit.
- Chill for 1-2 hours in a pitcher or food-safe, airtight container, or serve immediately over ice.
notes
- If you’re short on time, purchase pre-cut strawberries from the produce department at your local grocery store.
- If your berries are perfectly ripe and in season, you might not need to add any sweetener at all.
- The amount of lime juice you get from your lime may vary depending on the size and juiciness of your limes. If you have smaller or less juicy limes, you may need to use the whole thing to get the right amount of tangy flavor.
- The key to a delicious Strawberry Agua Fresca is to use fresh, ripe, and sweet strawberries. The riper the fruit, the sweeter the drink will be. If possible, try to buy locally grown strawberries when they are in season for the best taste.
- To get a smooth and consistent texture, blend the strawberries with the water and sweetener until completely smooth. Strawberry seeds may get through your fine mesh strainer, if this bothers you, then line the strainer with cheesecloth first, that will catch the seeds.
- Add some fresh mint leaves, basil or sliced lime to your Strawberry Agua Fresca for an extra burst of flavor and aroma. You can also experiment with different variations by adding other fruits, such as pineapple or mango, or add a splash of coconut milk or rum for a tropical twist.
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