Strawberries and Cream Agua Fresca is made with fresh strawberries and two different milks for a sweet, creamy, and refreshing cold drink. The perfect afternoon pick-me-up on a hot summer day!
Easy Strawberries and Cream Agua Fresca
This is a light and creamy twist on traditional agua fresca with elements of Brazilian lemonade. Fresh strawberries are blended with water then combined with sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk for a rich, creamy drink with just the right amount of sweetness.
Along with horchata, this has become one of my family’s favorite drinks and I’ve been making it almost weekly this summer.
Why You’ll Love This Refreshing Drink
- Ready in 15 minutes. It takes 15 minutes or less to prepare this creamy strawberry agua fresca from scratch.
- Creamy yet refreshing. This strawberries and cream agua fresca is sweet and creamy but not too sweet. It still feels light and refreshing.
- Perfect for summer. This is one of my favorite family-friendly drink recipes for summer. It’s the best time of year to get plump fresh strawberries and there’s really nothing better than a cool and creamy drink on a hot summer day.
What Is Agua Fresca?
Agua fresca, which literally translates to “fresh water”, is a drink popular in Mexico (and some Central American countries) made from blended fruits, water, and sometimes seeds. You can find them made from various fruits depending on what’s in season, such as strawberries, watermelon, mango, and more.
Today’s creamy strawberry agua fresca is a bit less traditional, as it’s made with sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk instead of just water and fruit, though it is occasionally served in Mexico.
Ingredients Needed
This creamy strawberry agua fresca is made with just 5 ingredients.
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)
- Strawberries – Fresh strawberries are best for making this agua fresca recipe, hulled and sliced.
- Water – To help break down the berries.
- Sweetened condensed milk & Evaporated milk – Adds the rich creaminess to the drink.
- Vanilla – For added flavor.
- Granulated sugar – Only use as much as needed. If the strawberries are super ripe and sweet or if you’re not a fan of sweet drinks, you probably won’t want to add it all.
- Crushed ice
How To Make Agua Fresca Strawberries and Cream
This refreshing drink comes together in just a few simple steps.
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)
- Prep the strawberries. Pulse 1 & 1/2 pounds of strawberries in the water until smooth. Transfer half of the puree to a pitcher.
- Combine the ingredients. To the blender with the strawberry puree, add the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla. Pulse to combine then taste test. Add the sugar a tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired sweetness.
- Serve. Pour the mixture into the pitcher and stir to combine. Pour into glasses over ice. Top with the remaining sliced strawberries. Enjoy!
Tips and Possible 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.
- Start with less sugar. Some fruits are naturally sweeter than others, so I always recommend starting with less sweetener, taste, and adding more as desired.
- Use a different sweetener. In place of the granulated sugar, you can use honey or agave, or even Stevia. Note that it will give the drink a different flavor and not as intended.
- Make it boozy. If you want an aqua fresca cocktail, add 1 ounce of liquor to about 1 cup of aqua fresca. Vodka, rum, or coconut rum are all good options.
Serving Suggestions
One of my favorite ways to enjoy this creamy strawberry agua fresca is on a hot summer afternoon. It also makes a great drink to pair with your favorite Mexican dishes, like shredded beef enchiladas, baja steak tacos, or birria tacos.
Proper Storage
Strawberries and cream agua fresca is best enjoyed the day it’s prepared or at least within 24 hours. Keep the pitcher covered in the fridge then give it a stir and pour over ice as needed.
More Refreshing Drink Recipes To Try
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!
Strawberries and Cream Agua Fresca
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh strawberries , hulled and sliced, divided
- 1 & 1/2 cups water
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 12 ounces evaporated milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar , as needed
- crushed ice
Instructions
- In a blender, pulse 1 & 1/2 pounds of the strawberries with the water until smooth. Transfer half of the puree into a 2 quart pitcher.
- To the blender with the remaining half of strawberry puree, add in the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla. Pulse until combined. Taste, and if necessary, add a tablespoon of sugar at a time until you get the desired sweetness.
- Pour mixture into the pitcher; stir to combine.
- Pour over ice into glasses. Stir in the remaining sliced strawberries and enjoy!