Made with just a few simple ingredients, it’s a delicious, customizable drink the whole family will love — perfect for beating the heat (and maybe even bribing your kids to do chores… just kidding… mostly).
Whenever we get to take a trip to Mexico, one of our first stops is at the mercado, sampling all the different aguas frescas. It’s like a treasure hunt — we’re always on the lookout to find the best of the best. Whether it’s watermelon, pineapple, or cantaloupe, these drinks are always a hit.
It’s easy to make, and it’s our family’s go-to for quenching thirst on scorching afternoons (especially after my son’s been mowing the lawn!). Plus, it adds the perfect touch to backyard barbecues or any summer gathering!
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Why you'll love these Aguas Frescas
- Endless Flavor Combinations: The flavor possibilities are limitless! From juicy watermelon to tropical pineapple, you can create unique Aguas Frescas to suit your mood and cravings.
- Natural Refreshment: Made with real fruit and minimal added sugar, it’s a healthier alternative to sugary sodas and juices.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, barbecues, or simply a refreshing afternoon treat. It’s a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
- Easy to Make: No fancy equipment or complicated steps required. Just blend, chill, and enjoy!
- Did you know: Watermelon packs a powerful punch of lycopene, an antioxidant linked to reduced risk of certain cancers and heart disease.
How to make Aguas Frescas
Cut a watermelon into chopped pieces.
Add the chopped watermelon and water to a blender.
Blend on medium-high and add the sugar and lime (if using).
Using a whisk or spoon, stir to combine.
And that’s it! Pour into a serving glass, add ice cubes, fresh mint, etc. Enjoy!
Flavor combinations to try
- Classic watermelon: My favorite! The sweetness of ripe watermelon pairs perfectly with lime’s tangy notes.
- Tropical pineapple: A burst of sunshine in a glass. Add a pinch of ginger for an extra zing.
- Refreshing cantaloupe: Subtly sweet and incredibly refreshing on its own, or try adding a few sprigs of mint for extra flavor.
In the kitchen tips
- Taste before you sweeten: Blend your fruit and lime juice (if using) first. The natural sweetness of the fruit might surprise you, and you might not need any additional sweetener at all.
- Find your just-right balance: Start with less water and add more until you reach your desired consistency. You can always add more.
- Rim it: For a festive touch, rim your glasses with Tajin (a chili-lime seasoning) or sugar before serving. It adds a fun pop of flavor.
- Fizzy fun: Add a splash of sparkling water or club soda for a bubbly twist.
- Spice it up: A pinch of chili powder or a few slices of jalapeño can add a delicious kick to your Aguas Frescas (just maybe not in the kids’ glasses!).
- Don’t forget the pulp: Straining is optional. Straining creates a smoother drink, but keeping the pulp adds fiber and nutrients.
- Get creative with garnishes: A few sprigs of fresh mint or a slice of cucumber.
- Freeze it: If you have leftover Aguas Frescas, freeze it into ice pops.
FAQ
Refreshing Mexican drinks made from blended fruit, water, lime, and sometimes a sweetener.
Almost any fruit works! Popular options include watermelon, cantaloupe, pineapple, berries, and even cucumbers.
No, but straining will give you a smoother drink. Keeping the pulp adds fiber and nutrients.
Yes! Store in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Just give it a good stir before serving.
Compared to soda, yes! It’s naturally sweetened by fruit and packed with vitamins and minerals.
Absolutely! Freeze leftovers in ice cube trays or popsicle molds for a fun treat.
Equipment list
- Blender
- Fine-mesh sieve or Nut milk bag (optional)
- Large pitcher
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups
- Ice cube trays or molds (if freezing)
📖 Recipe
Aguas Frescas Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups chopped watermelon
- 4 cups water
- optional 4 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- optional ¼ to ½ cup granulated sugar (or naturally sweetened with maple syrup/agave nectar using the same amount)
- Ice cubes
- 4 cups chopped cantaloupe
- 4 cups water
- optional ¼ to ½ cup granulated sugar (or naturally sweetened with maple syrup/agave nectar using the same amount)
- Ice cubes
- 4 cups chopped pineapple
- 4 cups water
- optional ¼ to ½ cup granulated sugar (or naturally sweetened with maple syrup/agave nectar using the same amount)
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Combine the chopped watermelon and water in a blender. Blend until smooth.
- Transfer to a pitcher or mixing bowl. Add sweetener and lime juice (if using), and mix well to combine.
- Pour over ice and garnish with a lime wedge and fresh mint. Enjoy!
- Chop cantaloupe into chunks. Remove seeds from the center using a spoon.
- Combine chopped cantaloupe and water in a blender. Blend until smooth.
- Using a nut milk bag, strain out the pulp.
- Transfer to a pitcher or mixing bowl and add sweetener (if using). Mix well to combine.
- Pour over ice and enjoy!
- Combine chopped pineapple and water in a blender. Blend until smooth.
- Using a nut milk bag, strain out the pulp.
- Transfer to a pitcher or mixing bowl and add the sweetener (if using). Mix well to combine.
- Pour over ice. Enjoy!
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