One refreshing beverage for the hot summer months is the Latin American favorite, Agua Fresca. An Agua Fresca is a cold beverage made by combining ingredients such as fresh fruit with sugar and water, blending them until smooth. Try this family-friendly drink today!
Strawberry Agua Fresca (serves 1)
Ingredients
- ½ cup fresh sliced strawberries
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 cup cold water
Optional Garnish
- Fresh lime
- Fresh mint
- Fresh sliced strawberries
Directions
1. Cut strawberries into slices, removing stems.
2. Add strawberries to a medium bowl or pitcher. Add sugar to strawberries and let sit, 5 minutes.
3. Add ¼ cup water to the strawberry mixture. Cover and place in fridge to allow strawberry and sugar flavor to permeate into water, at least 1 hour.
4. Remove chilled strawberry mixture from fridge and add to blender. With the blender setting on high, mix until strawberries become smooth.
5. Over a large bowl, use a wire mesh strainer to pour blender mixture, ensuring no lumps or seeds are in the bowl. Discard any solids left over in the mesh strainer.
6. Add remaining cold water to the strawberry puree and mix well.
7. Chill in the fridge until ready to serve, or serve immediately over ice. Garnish with lime wedges, fresh mint, or strawberry slices, if desired.
Creamy Strawberry Agua Fresca (serves 1)
A twist to the classic, this version of Aguas Frescas includes the addition of dairy to make for a decadent summer treat.
Ingredients
- ½ cup fresh sliced strawberries
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 cup cold water
- ½ cup condensed milk*
Optional Garnish
- Fresh lime
- Fresh mint
- Fresh sliced strawberries
Directions
1. Cut strawberries into slices, removing stems.
2. Add strawberries to a medium bowl or pitcher. Add sugar to strawberries and let sit, 5 minutes.
3. Add ¼ cup water to the strawberry mixture. Cover and place in fridge to allow strawberry flavor to permeate into water, at least 1 hour.
4. Remove chilled strawberry mixture from fridge and add to blender. With the blender setting on high, mix until strawberries become smooth.
5. Over a large bowl, use a wire mesh strainer to pour blender mixture, ensuring no lumps or seeds are in the bowl. Discard any solids left over in the mesh strainer.
6. Add remaining cold water and condensed milk to the strawberry puree and mix well.
7. Chill in fridge until ready to serve, or serve immediately over ice. Garnish with lime wedges, fresh mint, or strawberry slices, if desired.
*Condensed milk is recommended for a creamy texture but may be substituted for milk or milk-replacement of choice