What is aguas frescas?

Aguas Frescas: A Refreshing Taste of Summer

Aguas frescas (Spanish for "fresh waters") are light, non-alcoholic beverages popular in Mexico, Latin America, and parts of the United States. They are typically made by blending fruits, vegetables, flowers, or seeds with water and sugar. Unlike juice, which is squeezed directly from a fruit, aguas frescas are diluted with water, making them lighter and more refreshing, especially in hot weather.

Key Ingredients and Preparation:

• Base Ingredient: Common ingredients include fruits like watermelon, cantaloupe, pineapple, strawberries, mango, and lime. Other popular options are vegetables such as cucumber, hibiscus flowers (Jamaica), rice (Horchata), and tamarind.
• Sweetener: Sugar is typically added to sweeten the agua fresca.
• Water: The ingredient that makes it refreshing, blending with base ingredients to create the drink.
• Blending & Straining: The ingredients are blended together, then strained to remove any pulp or seeds, resulting in a smooth and light beverage.

Popular Varieties:

• Horchata: A milky drink made from rice, often flavored with cinnamon and vanilla.
• Jamaica: Made from dried hibiscus flowers, resulting in a tart and vibrantly red drink.
• Tamarindo: Made from the tamarind fruit, known for its sweet and sour flavor.
• Sandia: Watermelon flavored, a simple and refreshing option.
• Limon: Lime flavored, similar to lemonade but lighter.

Serving:

Aguas frescas are typically served cold, often over ice. They are a popular choice for refreshment at meals, picnics, or simply as a way to cool down on a hot day. Some vendors also offer various combinations, allowing for experimentation with different flavors.