Aguas Frescas - Cool, Refreshing Fruit Drinks From Mexico

Aguas Frescas Tips & Suggestions 

For Best Results!

• Don't use too much water. When mixing in the blender, use just enough water to be able to liquefy with the fruit, maybe a cup or two. Add more water in the pitcher or other container. Experimentation will be your best friend as you learn to make your drinks with your size blender, your taste preferences, etc.
• Traditionally, aguas frescas weren't made with crushed ice or even served with ice. To get it really cold, use very cold (or ice water) to make the drink, then chill the prepared drink for about an hour before serving. You can serve with ice, lots of people do. Just remember...it will dilute the flavor, just like adding too much water, so go easy.
• Sugar should be added to taste. Fruit is sweet on it's own and doesn't require much sweetening. Nowadays, commercially sold aquas frescas are way too sweet for me. I believe 3/4 cup of sugar may be too much, but 1/4 to 1/2 cup sugar should be plenty; you can adjust that to your own taste. Sugar substitutes are fine too. You can try honey too! I'd suggest dissolving the honey in some warm water first to help it mix better & not stick to the sides of your blender (I hate when that happens, LOL)

What Other Kinds Of Aguas Frescas Can You Make? 

• Mango Agua Fresca; You may need 2-3 ripe mangos (enough to make about 3 cups of fruit). Adjust your sugar to taste; mangos are sweet! YUM! Try it with and without lime juice and see which you like better.
• Honeydew Melon Agua Fresca; Make just like the cantaloupe recipe. May need a bit more sugar. Again, try with and without lime juice.
• Watermelon Agua Fresca; By far, my very favorite in the whole world. I don't like it overly sweet, but I do like it with LOTS of watermelon. I don't strain mine through a sieve. Some folks leave the seeds in the watermelon as they will settle to the bottom of the blender. If you prefer, you can strain them out or remove the seeds before putting the fruit in the blender (which is what I do).
• Strawberry Agua Fresca; Save this one for when they're on sale and use a fine strainer for the itty bitty seeds. Use about 5 cups of strawberries; hulled, rinsed and chopped. But WOW, you'll love this. You might prefer a bit more sugar if the berries are tart.
• Pineapple; YUM! You'll probably want to strain this one. And I don't suggest using lime juice. Taste to see if you prefer it a little sweeter.
• Cucumber; Yummy! Another refreshing flavor! You can add lime, or a favorite herb like dill to flavorize your way. But try it plain with a dash of lime first before you experiment to acquaint yourself with the base & go from there.