Agua Fresca is an incredibly light and refreshing fruit juice drink that’s made with just 3 ingredients, plus water. It’s perfect for cooling down in the summertime. Make up a big batch to share with friends for your next backyard cookout or pool party!
More cool fruit drinks to try include our watermelon juice and a raspberry lassi.
Easy Agua Fresca Recipe
Oh summer, you slay me. Shorts, flip flops, popsicles, swimming, hanging out with friends who we never get to see, staying up late, sleeping in… It’s my favorite. And it’s almost here!
This also means a bounty of gorgeous, delicious fresh fruit, and one of my favorite ways to use them – in an agua fresca – a thirst-quenching fresh fruit drink comprised of just fruit, lime juice, water, and a little sweetener.
What is Agua Fresca?
Aguas frescas are a light non-alcoholic beverage made from one or more fresh fruits, vegetables, or seeds blended with water and a sweetener. They’re enjoyed unfiltered with natural ingredients, keeping the nutrition you get from the fruit intact.
This fruit drink is super popular in Mexico and Central America, just like Horchata, being sold on street carts, and at juice bars and restaurants. Luckily for us in the U.S., this drink is super easy to make at home in just minutes.
The Best Fruit for Aguas Frescas
Watermelon aqua frescas are probably the most popular, but there are so many other great options to try. You can use one fruit or a combination. Here are our favorites:
- Watermelon
- Pineapple
- Peach
- Strawberry
- Mango
- Kiwi
- Papaya
- Cucumber
- Cantaloupe
- Honeydew melon
With the exception of strawberries, I would avoid most other berries (like blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries because they contain too many seeds and aren’t naturally sweet enough.)
How to Make Agua Fresca
Making this Mexican fruit drink is so easy in just a few minutes.
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)
- Blend the ingredients. Add the fruit, water, lime juice, and sweetener to a blender. Puree until completely smooth.
- Strain. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a large pitcher. (Note: This step is optional, but it does help remove some sediment from certain fruits.)
- Taste. Give it a taste and adjust the sweetness, if necessary.
- Serve. Pour over ice in a glass and enjoy immediately.
Recipe Tips and Variations
- This drink is best with fresh fruit. I highly recommend using fresh in-season fruit for the best results. If using frozen fruit, it should be thawed first, otherwise it will become more of a smoothie. You should also consider reducing the amount of water slightly to compensate for the extra liquid you get from frozen fruit.
- Try different sweeteners. You can use granulated sugar, honey, or agave nectar, depending on your preference. If you’re looking for a low-calorie sweetener, use monk fruit or Stevia.
- Not all fruits have the same sweetness. Some fruits are naturally sweeter than others, so I always recommend starting with less sweetener, taste, and adding more as desired.
- Make it boozy. If you want an aqua fresca cocktail, add 1 ounce of your favorite liquor to about 1 cup of aqua fresca. Vodka, rum, or coconut rum are all delicious options.
- Reduce the amount of foam. To make the drink less foamy, blend the mixture for less time. To help remove some of the foam, let it settle on top and then skim off.
Serving Suggestions and Proper Storage
Agua frescas are best served over ice and enjoyed immediately. If you do have any leftovers or making a batch up ahead of time, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you want to serve it again, stir it well because the fruit tends to separate from the liquids.
More Refreshing Summer Drinks:
- Starbucks Pink Drink
- Shirley Temple Drink
- Boba Tea
- Strawberry Lemonade
- Mojito
- Sex on the Beach
- Blue Hawaiian
I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube!
Agua Fresca
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh fruit , cubed (see note below)
- 3 cups cold water
- 1/4 cup sweetener (granulated sugar, honey, or agave)
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- ice cubes
Instructions
- Place all ingredients into your blender and blend until completely smooth.
- Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a large pitcher. (Note: This step is optional, but it does help remove some sediment from certain fruits.)
- Give it a taste and adjust the sweetness, if necessary.
- Pour over ice in glasses and enjoy immediately.
Notes
This drink is best with fresh fruit. I highly recommend using fresh in-season fruit for the best results. If using frozen fruit, it should be thawed first otherwise it will become more of a smoothie. You should also consider reducing the amount of water slightly to compensate for the extra liquid you get from frozen fruit. Low-calorie sweetener. If you need to use a low-calorie sweetener, sub in a 1/4 cup monk fruit or Stevia. Make it boozy. If you want an aqua fresca cocktail, add 1 ounce of your favorite liquor to about 1 cup of aqua fresca. Vodka, rum, or coconut rum are all delicious options.
