Ever wondered how to prepare agua fresca? The Mexican drink agua fresca (“freshwater” or “cool water”) is made with water and fruit, yet it differs from flavored water or juice beverages. Agua fresca starts with fresh drinking water, and the fruit is blended or squeezed into it, resulting in a much lighter and more refreshing drink that is composed mostly of water. This results in a versatile, enjoyable drink perfect for hot summer days. Read on to discover 2 delicious ways to prepare this Texan favorite.
Traditional Agua Fresca
Traditional agua fresca requires only water, fruit, lime juice, and sugar. Serve over iced if desired.
• 4 cups drinking water
• 2 cups fresh fruit
• 1/4 cup sugar (or equivalent in another sweetener)
• 2 teaspoons fresh-squeezed lime juice
• lime wedges for garnish (optional)
• ice (optional)
In a blender combine water, sugar, and fruit. Puree until smooth. Pour mixture (through a sieve, if desired) into a pitcher or serving container. Stir in lime juice. Taste, then add additional sugar, if necessary. Garnish with a lemon or lime wedge.
Chia Fresca
This version tastes like lemonade and adds chia seeds for a nutritional boost.
• 12 ounces cold, fresh drinking water
• 1 large lemon (to make about 3 tablespoons of juice)
• 2 teaspoons sugar (or sweetener of choice)
• 1 teaspoon fresh chia seed
• lemon wedges for garnish (optional)
• ice (optional)
The first step is to prepare the lemonade (lemon-water). Pour the water into a glass. Slice the lemon in half and squeeze the juice into the water. Stir in the sugar or add sweetener to taste. Once you have achieved the sweetness level you prefer, it's time to add the chia.
Stir the seeds into the lemon water and let it sit for 10 minutes. During this time, the seeds will absorb the water and become gelatinous. Once chia seeds have doubled in size, your drink is ready to serve.
Shake up your household menu – and put your fully equipped kitchen to use – with this easy-to-follow recipe, courtesy of White Rock Apartments in San Antonio, Texas.