Can I pleeeeeeeeeease meet the man or woman who invented Agua Fresca? I’ve got a hug, a kiss, a handshake and a future newborn that I’d like to name after them. I’m serious.
Ok, so perhaps I’ll never meet the person who decided to add fresh chunks of fruit to water and ice. I realize this drink has been made for generations, served in restaurants and on the streets throughout Mexico. And in case you haven’t tried an Agua Fresca it’s perhaps the perfect drink. It’s the antithesis of the cloyingly sweet, syrupy fruit drink. It’s light and refreshing with just enough sweetness to keep you interested. And I happen to think they just taste better as the ice has melted in the glass and diluted the drink just a wee bit more. You’ll see them in taquerias all over the place, usually in big glass jars with that unmistakable gorgeous pink or green color, depending on the variety served up that day.
We’ve been running around East Los Angeles quite a bit lately and our taco and mole journeys inspired us to come up with a few aguas frescas ourselves. The beauty of this recipe is that you can use any fruit you have on hand, adjusting the sweetness and intensity to your liking. Remember that it’s not supposed to be a powerful, fruity drink but a refreshing, thirst-quenching sip. I can’t wait for summer to roll around as I think they’ll be perfect with the sweet and smoky flavors of barbecued meats and summer salads. I love the contrast that aguas frescas bring to a meal.
Pineapple Ginger Agua Fresca
It’s so interesting to me how pineapple and ginger become light and delicate without losing their flare when diluted with plenty of ice and water. This is a gorgeous drink and perhaps my favorite. These drinks are made in two parts: simple syrup and then blended fruit.
Ginger Simple Syrup
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup water
3 pieces of fresh ginger cut into coins
Bring water and sugar to a boil and then add the pieces of ginger. Remove from heat and let cool completely. Strain and discard the ginger.
For the Drink:
4 cups fresh pineapple with 2-4 cups of water to blend
8-10 cups of water
Puree the fruit and water in batches and then strain to remove any seeds or pulp. You can use a fine sieve or cheesecloth and you’ll want to get as much solids out of the liquid. Add the simple syrup to the strained liquid and then dilute with 8 to 10 cups of water. At this point you can adjust the sugar and water levels to your liking. Serve over plenty of ice and enjoy immediately.
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Cucumber Lemongrass Agua Fresca
Ah, my heart be still! This is a beautiful flavor and elegance in a glass. I love the color and freshness of these flavors together. Again, you’ll be doing this in two parts: a lemongrass simple syrup and pureed cucumbers.
Lemongrass Simple Syrup
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup water
4 pieces of lemongrass, smashed and chopped
I use a wooden rolling pin to beat and smash the lemongrass. Bring the water and sugar to a boil and then add the pieces of lemongrass. Remove from heat and let cool completely. Strain and discard the lemongrass.
For the Drink:
4 cups of chopped english cucumbers (skin on) with 2-4 cups of water to blend
8-10 cups of water
1/4–1/2 cup fresh lime, to taste
pinch of salt
Puree the fruit and water in batches and then strain to remove any seeds or pulp. You can use a fine sieve or cheesecloth and you’ll want to get as much solids out of the liquid. Add the simple syrup to the strained liquid and then dilute with 8 to 10 cups of water. At this point you can adjust the sugar and water levels to your liking. Serve over plenty of ice and enjoy immediately.
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Strawberry Thyme Agua Fresca
I love strawberry anything and the thyme gives it an herby note that adds character. It’s delicious.
Thyme Simple Syrup
1/2 cup loosely packed thyme sprigs
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 water
Bring the water and sugar to a boil and then add the thyme. Remove from heat and let cool completely. Strain and remove the thyme.
For the Drink:
4 cups of fresh or frozen strawberries with 2-4 cups of water to blend
8-10 cups of water
Puree the fruit and water in batches and then strain to remove any seeds or pulp. You can use a fine sieve or cheesecloth and you’ll want to get as much solids out of the liquid. Add the simple syrup to the strained liquid and then dilute with 8 to 10 cups of water. At this point you can adjust the sugar and water levels to your liking. Serve over plenty of ice and enjoy immediately.
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When I lived in Mexico we used to have fresh-squeezed cantaloupe aqua fresca for breakfast… it’s one of my favorite memories from my time there, thanks for reminding me of this morning
Can I move into your prop closet? Such fabulous pitchers you have!
Matt, these combos sounds fantastic. I have only had the token cantaloupe at the Mexican restaurants in the Mission before. I am very inspired to try these out. Thanks for some great recipes!
I’ve never had a proper agua fresca before–this is a revelation. I’ve always just cut up fruit & added it to ice water for enjoying at home, sometimes adding some fruit juice, but that’s it. It sounds wonderful!
Oh this is perfect…I’m in the depths of winter here waiting to get out and you’ve brought me a little bit of hot weather happiness! I adore agua frescas…when I was little my mom used to take me to La Taqueria in the Mission in SF as a treat, and I always looked forward to them with great anticipation. As soon as the temps break 60 I’m busting out your recipes.
dang you have skills. Now I am thirsty for some of this loveliness.
Oh…I love me some agua frescas!!! (That photo is fab, btw!) I, too, think they are oh so refreshing and always more desirable in the hot summer heat than any sugar-laden variety of lemonade. And the jars? Love the jars! Sadly, agua frescas are still hard to come by in my Anglo/Scandinavian neck of the woods. Well, that and decent Mexican food. So go figure!
Yum! I can’t wait to try these – summer’s too far off so I’m just going to have to try them in late winter…
I’ve been thinking about aguas frescas ever since I heard Evan talk about them on Good Food a good while back. Thanks so much for the recipes; these flavor combos are right up my alley!!
On a rainy Portland day, this seems like the perfect thing to liven my spirits.
Thank you so much, Matt! I don’t know what it is, but I’ve been jonesing for something fruity but not overly sweet lately. This is perfect. I can’t wait to try these, especially once it gets above 40 degrees here in NY.
Sitting in below freezing weather in Chicago right now…really really really craving summer. At least I can live vicariously through your pictures…and of course save your recipes until it finally gets above 50 degrees here…in May
Love your blog by the way, only just stumbled upon it recently.
Aguas frescas have always been a part of my life here in Tucson, AZ. I’m also lucky that I can find them year round in the taquerias and even in a local grocery store that sets up a stand on the weekends to sell a variety of aguas frescas. My favorites have always been watermelon, pineapple, cantaloupe, jamaica (made from dry hibiscus flowers) and even though its not a fruit, horchata is also a great one. My most favorite has always been tamarindo (tamarind), actually I love anything with a tamarindo flavor.
I know it’s perfect as is, but I’m curious to know what you would combine tamarindo with, in order to give it a little twist.
Que rico!! These photos are amazing and the recipes sound tasty:)
Thanks for the recipes. My husband loves these as he lived in Ecuador for a couple years and was first introduced to these there. I must try this for him!
I love these drinks–watermelon is one of my favorites–in Mexico they make liquardos–similar–fruit-ice-sugar blend-sometimes they add milk–I prefer them without the milk–
a nice suggestion–tamarind aqua fresca-
Great picture and they all sound so wonderful! Great for an Easter party.
What a great post to read on the 80 degree day in Austin, TX! Thank you for the fantastic ideas…we love refreshing, with flavor. Probably why I love the Bicardi Limon in cranberry juice…refreshing on a hot day. And, if you’re really thirsty and drink a bunch of them, all your problems just float away.
Ohhh, I miss agua frescas! I love the watermelon but that cucumber and lemongrass is calling my name!
i’ve never had agua frescas before. clearly i am missing out. the lemongrass cucumber one sounds awesome.
I love Aguas Frescas! That was my favorite thing to take advantage of when I worked in a Mexican restaurant.
Oh yum, this totally brings back memories of my days living in Guadalajara. So addictive, so refreshing, so many varieties. Why aren’t they more popular here?
I’ve never commented before, but I adore your blog. Forgive my writing, I hope the feelings come through better than my words.
Your photography is delicious. Upon viewing it I am instantly sent on a food vacation to paradise, even if only in my mind. Like with these aguas frescas. I cannot wait to try the cucumber and lemongrass. Once at a friend’s in Mexico City I had one that was watermelon, ginger, and lime. It was sublime. The next day I had it again but instead of still water, sparkling water was added, which required more fruit and syrup to the previous ratio but it was supremely satisfying and crisp with just a hint of sweetness.
The main reason I decided to comment today instead of just lurking and enjoying your blog anon is that I remembered one of your old posts today. I was walking home and saw a lovely impressively tattooed man and his boyfriend having lunch and enjoying themselves. It reminded me of you and the joyous post when you and your beloved married in LA officially. It brought me to tears. You included a lovely couple of ladies who had been together for 40 some years if I recall. All the pics and stories you shared made me so proud of California. And so happy for you and everyone finally given equal rights. After remembering that post and then realizing the evil hateful passing of Prop 8 I just felt compelled to let you know I was thinking about you.
Be happy and thanks for your wonderful site.
tamarindo, guayaba, sandia, melon, limon con chia (yummy), jamaica…………OMG, cuantos hermosos recuerdos, quiero llorar!! ah y mis favoritas: horchata y tepache de pina, (este ultimo tecnicamente no es agua fresca…creo).
thank you Matt, you always bring me back mi Mexico
Impressive variety and flavour combinations. But I really like those tableware more!
I am going to try the cucumber lemongrass this weekend. My mouth is watering thinking of it. Love that photo and saved it to my desktop for inspiration.
Hi, my name is Nanciful and I’m a Mattbites.com stalker.
I have been reading your blog for years now and just never commented. :/ I just want to let you know that your photography is like a breath of fresh air! I love it! You are extremely talented.
Thanks also for this great post on Agua Frescas. I have some leftover thyme that I didn’t know what to do with. Now I do!
What a wonderful blog, glad I stumbled on it. The aguas frescas sound delightful even though we are experiencing a major blizzard right now:-)
I just LOVE that owl pitcher!!! And the Pineapple Ginger Agua Fresca filling its tummy sounds pretty delicious too. Can’t wait for summer!
The February 28th Splendid Table was all about Mexico and has a short segment about aguas frescas. The show’s host talks with Rachel Lowden (not sure of the spelling), a history professor turned food historian, who has been living in Mexico for about 10 years. Lowden says that the drink came to Mexico with the Spanish, who got it from the Islamic world (which had a major influence on the Iberian penisula through the conquest of the southern part of the peninsula and centuries of trade). In the Islamic world, the drinks were Islam-compatible beverages (i.e., alcohol free) that made use of the available fruits and flavorings. As of today, the show is available for download on the website (MP3) and via podcasting services like iTunes. The segment about aguas frescas starts at 27:30. But listen to the whole show if you can, it’s one of Splendid Table’s best ever (it includes a visit to Diana Kennedy’s house, a fascinating look at the role of women in Mexico City restaurants and much more).
I bet that cucumber lemongrass one would work well with a little vodka or gin
Mexico lindo y querido . . .
Wonderful things aguas frescas are. My personal favorites are Horchata, Tamarindo y Jamaica. Especially Horchata. The sun is coming out here in London and if it keeps to the weekend I will be trying Strawberry/Thyme and Cucumber/Lemongrass.
By the way: I love your jugs!
All the best from here to there.
I’m a Philosophy and Science prof. I discovered your blog via the Times Online’s
article “50 of the world’s best food blogs”. We’ll try your aguas frescas to add a twist to our ‘merienda’ in our hot Manila summer. Also, I have to say that your photos are just amazing!
I love aguas frescas! I live in Guatemala and they are quite popular here, we often buy them on the chicken bus where a vendor will come through selling the aguas in little plastic bags with a straw tied around the neck and a chunk of ice inside.
I just found you on stumbleupon and love these drink ideas; hello from cloudy London…
MMMMMMMM! Now I am very glad that after three years of searching for a patio set, I have just the place to enjoy this!!! Thank you!
I love horchata, watermelon and mango..and the cucumber and lemon tastes very good… not lemongrass…but lemon itself (not the yellow ones, but small green ones we have in Mexico, I guess I‘m not pretty sure whats the difference). I am from Monterrey , Mexico and at home we love aguas frescas, we take them instead of coke, cause mom doesn’t like us to be eating junk food hehe, theyre very good and obviously healthier than coke. When my boyfriend from Australia met my family mom made watermelon water and he fell in love right away.. so funny.
Congratulations…Great Blog!
Aguas frescas are the best drink in the whole world! You should try the agua fresca de jamaica.
It reaaaaaaaaaaaaaally is great.
I want to make the ginger pineapple agua fresca because in TX — it’s already hot enough! Question: how long are the pieces of ginger you are cutting up — an inch each? Don’t want to over ginger my agua fresca.
I “stumbled upon” your site and what a treat! I want to try making the ginger agua fresca and this may sound like a dumb question but what do you mean by three “pieces” of ginger? Do you mean three of the individual branches or three whole pieces? Thank you!
You really need to visit Aguas Tijuana Juice Bar in Downey,Ca. They been doing aguas frescas since 1962. Since 1996 in Downey. Try them you can’t go wrong with any drink you choose……..
I’m in the process of making all three agua fresca recipes for my mother’s 80th birthday party. Since the party is in Albuquerque and it’s the end of August (that means HOT weather) I thought these drinks would be an ideal refresher. I’ve processed the fruit and made the flavored syrup. Of course, I’ve tasted all three . . . I’d be hard pressed to pick a favorite!! The drinks are delicious. I’ll let you know how they go over at the party.
The day was hot, the mood was festive and the agua frescas were a hit! We had a lovely party for my mother’s 80th birthday, attended by about 30 people and the agua frescas went over BIG. The cucumber seemed to be the most popular but they all disappeared. Thanks so much for the idea and the recipes. I’ll be making these again!!
Where did you get those fabulous pitchers? I love the owl!! I’m throwing a Dia de Los Muertos party this year and would love to serve the aguas frescas in such lovely pitchers.
We served the Strawberry Thyme agua fresca at my daughter’s birthday party yesterday. 90+ degrees outside and this really hit the spot. Thanks for the recipe.
Love the Strawberry Thyme agua fresca! Since there are just two in my household, I reduced the water by half and froze the mixture in ice cube trays so we could enjoy whenever we wanted. I look forward to trying your other recipes, especially the Pineapple Ginger. Thanks for sharing your recipes.
Love, perfect post for this time of the year for renewal. Agua frescas does a body good.
Happy I came upon your post via Ruby Press.
Thank you for the recipes. I loves make mix drinks myself few years ago. I wil try this for sure!
The strawberry agua sound fabulous. And your photos are very nice too. It seems to be my new summer drink. And when I get bored I will try the other ones. Thanks for the good Idea…
I was just writing a post about Aguas Frescas and included your wonderful recipe (with link back and attribution of course). I hope you approve!
Hey Mamas-To-Be, Stay Hydrated With Delicious Aguas Frescas! | Holistic Doula NYC Blog http://bit.ly/bga8oO
Thanks for your great post!
Andrea