Description
This refreshing Strawberry Agua Fresca is a light and flavorful Mexican-inspired beverage made with fresh strawberries, lime juice, and a touch of sugar, perfect for cooling down on a hot day. Naturally sweet and vibrant, it’s an easy-to-make drink ideal for gatherings or a simple treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb. fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice (from 1 lime)
- 4 cups water
- Ice, for serving
- Mint sprigs, for garnish
Instructions
- Macerate the strawberries: Add the hulled and halved strawberries along with the granulated sugar to a bowl. Toss them together to combine and let the mixture sit at room temperature for about 1 hour, tossing occasionally. This helps the berries release their natural juices and sweeten.
- Blend the macerated strawberries: Transfer the macerated strawberry and sugar mixture into a blender or food processor. Add fresh lime juice and blend on high speed for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and fully blended.
- Strain the berry mixture: Place a fine mesh strainer over a large pitcher. Pour the blended strawberry mixture through the strainer, stirring gently with a spoon to help the liquid pass through. Discard the solids left in the strainer.
- Add water: Pour 4 cups of cold water into the pitcher with the strained strawberry juice. Stir well, then taste the agua fresca. Adjust sweetness by adding more sugar if preferred, mixing until dissolved.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the strawberry agua fresca for about 2 hours until thoroughly chilled. Serve over ice cubes and garnish each glass with fresh mint sprigs for an added refreshing aroma and presentation.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, ensure thorough blending but avoid over-processing to prevent bitterness.
- If you prefer your drink less sweet, reduce the amount of sugar or omit it altogether, as ripe strawberries can be naturally sweet.
- To make it vegan and diabetic-friendly, use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol.
- Fresh lime juice can be substituted with lemon juice if necessary, though lime is traditional in agua fresca.
- The strained solids can be used as a topping for yogurt or desserts to avoid waste.
