Agua fresca is an ancient drink, literally dating back to the Aztecs and the Mayans. The name "agua fresca" translates to "fresh water" and the many variations epitomize this. The basic recipe is some type of fruit or flower (or seed or grain, historically) + a sweetener + citrus (sometimes) + water. Essentially sweet flavored water.
These refreshing drinks remain popular and common in Latin cultures, prized for their versatility in flavor and their thirst quenching ability. The agua fresca historically has been used as a celebratory drink, without the alcohol.
The basic method is to combine fresh fruit with water in a blender, add sweetener to taste, blend, strain, and serve over ice. There are endless combinations:
| Fruit | Sweetener |
| watermelon | cane sugar |
| pineapple | coconut sugar |
| cantaloupe | honey |
| honeydew | agave |
| cucumber | dates |
| tamarind | date sugar |
| peach | maple syrup |
| guava | |
| raspberry | Enhancers |
| lemon | jalapeno |
| lime | mint |
| passion fruit | basil |
| blueberry | rosemary |
| lemon | |
| lime | |
| orange |
Two of our favorite mixers work beautifully as Aguas frescas: Pineapple Tamarind by Raft, and Cucumber Jalapeño by Yes Cocktail Co. Here are two recipe ideas:
FillYour Cup Pineapple Tamarind Aqua Fresca
1 TBSP (or 1/2 oz) Pineapple Tamarind mixer
Juice of 1/2 - 1 lime
8 oz water
Combine all in a glass or mason jar, add ice, and stir well. Adjust to taste.
Optional: use tajin and/or sugar on the glass rim
FillYourCup Cucumber Jalapeno Aqua Fresca
1 TBSP (or 1/2 oz) Cucumber Jalapeño mixer
Juice of 1/2 - 1 lime
8 oz water
Combine all in a glass or mason jar, add ice, and stir well. Adjust to taste.
Optional: garnish with fresh sliced jalapeño
Super simple, and delicious!
A third mixer, Perfect Margarita by Strongwater, makes a delicious watermelon agua fresca.
FillYourCup Watermelon Margarita Agua Fresca
1 TBSP (or 1/2 oz) Perfect Margarita mixer
1/2 cup diced watermelon
Juice of 1/2 - 1 lime
8 oz water
Combine all in a blender, blend. Strain into a fresh glass with ice.
Optional: add salt to glass rim.