Summer Foods & Drinks

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Aguas Frescas: fresh water never tasted so sweet

Name: Aguas Frescas
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 cup fresh fruit (e.g. apples, cantaloupe, lychees, mangoes, papayas, strawberries watermelon, etc.); 2 cups filtered water; 3 tablespoons sweetener (maple syrup, monkfruit, sugar, etc.); 1 cup ice cubes

by Kristina Reynolds

Aguas frescas are sweet non-alcoholic Mexican beverages. Its literal translation is “fresh waters,” which describes its refreshing, thirst-quenching nature. These water-based drinks are usually fruit-infused, but they are more than just infused water. Rather than having just a hint, they are packed with flavor. Besides fresh fruits, they are also mixed with sugar and hibiscus flowers, jicaro seeds or rice. They are most often displayed in clear large jugs in a variety of vibrant colors.

Where were they invented?

Curious to know how this sweetened flavored water was invented? According to Aztecan legend, in the 15th century, the Aztecs would go travel from their farmlands and through the lakes to Tenochtitlan. During their journeys, they foraged for fruits and other plants. The edible fruits, seeds and flowers they collected were mixed with ice from the nearby mountains formed by the dormant volcanoes of Iztaccíhuatl and Popocatépetl. This became a staple drink of the Aztec people.

As the centuries passed, these flavored drinks became common in households in Mexico and Guatemala. In the mid 20th century, street vendors in the US began selling aguas frescas with antojitos (Mexican snacks) like paletas, elotes, and more recently, Tostilocos.

Aguas frescas have become popular throughout Mexico, regions of the US with large Hispanic populations and Latin American countries. Nicaragua and Honduras simply call these drinks refrescos or, more commonly, frescos for short. They are served at large gatherings and at

What aguas frescas flavors are the most popular?

There are many popular flavors of these water-based drinks. These are some of the flavors you will often find:

strawberry
cantaloupe
honeydew
lemon
lime
mango
papaya
pineapple
watermelon
tamarindo
horchata (made with jicaro seeds or rice; pronounced or-CHA-ta)
jamaica (made with hibiscus flowers; pronounced ha-MY-ka)

aguas frescas flavors — popular flavors of aguas frescas Mexicanas at a Mexican shop

Fruits and other flavors are also often combined to create unique refreshing blends. Some of the best flavor combinations include:

apple and lychee
strawberry and kiwi
strawberry and horchata
pineapple and strawberry
papaya and lime
cucumber and lime
cucumber and watermelon
watermelon and lime
watermelon and mint

Aguas Frescas vs. Raspados

What is the difference between aguas frescas and raspados? Because they are both refreshing and come in similar flavors, people can sometimes get them confused. However, they are two are completely different items. While aguas frescas are beverages, raspados are flavored shaved ice and are viewed more of as a sweet treat or dessert than a drink.

Where can I get these drinks?

You can find aguas frescas at many Mexican food stands, fruterias and eateries. Most authentic Mexican taco shops will sell at least horchata and/or jamaica. Make sure to use this map to find aguas frescas near you.

How can I make them?

Whether you’re hosting a large fiesta or just a small Mexican dinner, aguas frescas are a great way to quench the thirst of your guests, especially for those who don’t drink alcohol. Here’s a highly customizable recipe that you can use to make a customized agua fresca (or several) that you and your guests will love.

Aguas Frescas

Ingredients

1 cup fresh fruit (e.g. apples, cantaloupe, lychees, mangoes, papayas, strawberries watermelon, etc.)
2 cups filtered water
3 tablespoons sweetener (maple syrup, monkfruit, sugar, etc.)
1 cup ice cubes

Instructions

Remove any peel or seeds from the fruit.
Blend the fruit, water and sweetener until completely smooth.
Pour mixture in large carafe or pitcher and ice & water. Feel free to add more water to thin out the mixture. Mix through with large spoon.
Pour in glasses and enjoy!

Notes

This is good for about 2-4 servings. For larger parties, double or triple the recipe, or repeat the recipe with different flavors for some variety.

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Kristina Reynolds is the Founder & CEO of Glutto and an alumna of the University of California, San Diego. She writes articles & posts for Glutto Digest with insights from fellow industry experts. Furthermore, she is the author of The Fittest Food Lovers: How EVERY BODY Can be Incredibly Fit and Still Enjoy Food, a collaborative philanthropic book with proceeds going to charities that fight world hunger.