As refreshing to look at as it is to taste, Strawberry Agua Fresca has flowed from Mexico to brighten your drink.
Who wouldn’t want to feel like they’re on a beach, basking in sunlight and sipping a sweet drink? No matter the time of year, strawberry agua fresca can help you transcend the season and savor a relaxing moment of refreshment. Made with fresh strawberries and lime juice, it has the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, providing an afternoon pick-me-up that’s great for both adults and kids. You might even feel like a kid again yourself after a few syrupy sips!
Got a family potluck or barbecue to attend? Make a big batch of this ruby red drink and put the pitcher front-and-center on the picnic table. Even if it’s the coldest time of year, you can whip it up indoors to create a zen-and-zesty potion that brightens your day. You could even serve it instead of wine or beer at a holiday party. After all, it is the right color for Christmas! Whether you’ve got winter blues or summertime heat waves, strawberry agua fresca can be a one-way ticket to your own personal paradise.
Is Strawberry Agua Fresca Healthy?
While this drink might seem healthy because it’s made with fresh fruit juice, it still has a lot of sugar in it, so this is best enjoyed once in a while. Overall, strawberry agua fresca is gluten-free and vegan, which means you can sip and savor this beverage with friends, even if they follow different diets. It’s also completely non-alcoholic, so you can serve it at sober parties.
A Historical Refresher On Agua Fresca
Literally meaning “fresh water” in Spanish, agua fresca originated in Mexico, supposedly as an Aztec hydration method. Some say that various versions with different fruit juices were made by Aztecs long before Spanish colonials came, and I like to think that’s true. How cool would it be to enjoy the same kind of drink that the ancients did? It adds a whole new level of reflection to the refreshing experience!
Regardless of its exact origins in history, agua fresca has become a popular drink in modern Mexico and the southwest United States. It’s commonly sold by street vendors, restaurants, and juice bars. But the beauty is, we can make it right here in our very own home.
How to make ahead and store
Store in a well-sealed jar or a covered pitcher in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can portion the concentrated juice mixture into ice cube trays and mix them with water later. If it’s already blended with water, you can pour the agua fresca into large freezer-safe containers and freeze for about 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving cold.
Serving Suggestions
Typically, strawberry agua fresca is enjoyed over ice with slices of strawberries and limes. Some drinkers like to rim their glasses with sugar or salt. If you go the salty route, I suggest using pink Himalayan salt because it matches the pretty drink.
If you’d like to harmonize this drink with a meal, I suggest Chicken Empanadas and Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice, or some Grilled Quesadillas with this Guacamole Salsa and Mexican Street Corn Salad. These savory dishes make great companions to the sweet and sublime strawberry agua fresca.
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 16 ounces fresh strawberries hulled
- 1/3 cup fresh lime juice
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, combine the water and sugar, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Place the strawberries in a blender and blend until smooth.
- Pour the blended strawberries into the sugar water. Add the lime juice and stir well.
- Serve the agua fresca over ice in glasses. Optionally, garnish with additional strawberry slices or a lime wedge.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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