Agua Fresca, Two Ways.
I’m still battling it out.
Derby or Cinco de Mayo?
Bourbon or Tequila?
Mint or limes?
Okay let’s do both. The mint and the limes, I mean.
A common question I get asked is how one can make my margaritas and mojitos into versions that are nonalcoholic. I think most beverages can be handled with a glug of bubbly club soda in lieu of the booze, but agua fresca can also be a thing. It’s fruity water. Fruity, delicious water. That everyone can enjoy!
I find agua fresca to be insanely refreshing, which is probably it’s purpose or something. The mint and the limes add the perfect little kick and since it’s made with fruit, it’s healthy. You are drinking your nutrients, people. Get down with it.
Watermelon juice. !!!!
Also, pureeing the heck out of that watermelon brought me back to the summer that I made watermelon soda floats. I am devastatingly annoyed that I haven’t made those recently. Now THAT’s a thing.
Why am I not doing that right this instant?
Even though Cinco de Mayo is winning today, I’m desperate to have a very large combined Cinco/Derby party. But all of my invisible internet friends would have to come because um, I don’t have that many non-invisible friends.
I guess that’s what happens when you bake cookies for someone on another side of a screen.
And although I’m showing you two ways to make agua fresca, there really are a bunch of ways. I’m doing blueberry next. I think I’m even going to try raspberry, because getting rid of those dumb little seeds and keeping the flavor makes me jump for joy. Obviously strawberry. And maybe even pomegranate, though that would be a pain in the you know what.
Kiwi is getting a big dose of me later this week too. I’m coming for you, kiwi.
Anyhoo. Here are my important keys to enjoying this pretty liquid:
It’s gotta be COLD. It looks super cute in one of those tabletop drink dispenser like things. Do you know what I’m talking about? They have a little spout on them. You can find some for $25 or less and man… now that is an investment.
Perhaps I can give you some financial portfolio advice after this.
It’s gotta be fruity but not too sweet. And you know I have some darn sweet teeth. It’s not meant to be a juice though, so there is a fine line you gotta walk with the sugar. The annoying (or fun) part is that almost every batch you make will be different – all based on the sweetness of the fruit you chose that day. So… just taste a lot. You may not even need to add any sugar if it’s sweet enough to your liking. Crazy. I know.
Oh and I just have to say that I think this is the perfect summer drank. We already went over the refreshing part, but it’s less sugary than lemonade which means you can eat extra chips and salsa and cookies. Life laws!
Watermelon + Mango Agua Fresca
Ingredients
watermelon agua fresca
- 1/2 watermelon, seeded and cubed (about 2 cups)
- 1 cup water
- 3 limes, juiced
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- fresh mint
mango agua fresca
- 2 ripe mangos, peeled and cubed
- 2 cups water
- 3 limes, juiced
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- fresh mint
Instructions
watermelon agua fresca
- Add watermelon to a blender and blend until completely pureed. Using a fine mesh sieve, pour puree through into a large bowl or measuring cup, using a spoon to press the last of the liquid out when you get to the end. Combine watermelon juice, water, lime juice and sugar in a large pitcher. Taste and add more sugar if needed. You can also stir in some fresh mint leaves (or just garnish the drinks with them) for taste. Chill until cold.
mango agua fresca
- Add mango cubes and 1 cup of water to the blender, pureeing until smooth. Pour the mixture through the fine mesh sieve, using a spoon to press the last of the liquid out at the end. Combine mango, remaining water, lime juice and sugar in a large pitcher. Taste and add more sugar if needed. You can also stir in some fresh mint leaves (or just garnish the drinks with them) for taste. Chill until cold.
Notes
Did you make this recipe?
Be sure to follow @howsweeteats on instagram and tag #howsweeteats. You can also post a photo of your recipe to our facebook page.
I appreciate you so much!
And finally. I think you can add some tequila here if you’d like. Or rum. Vodka even. Whatever kind of freaky stuff you’re into.
87 Comments on “Agua Fresca, Two Ways.”
Pingback: Aqua Fresca & Lovely Links | Inside The Lovely
What pretty drinks and so refreshing too!
I made the watermelon one today for the family – we loved it – I replaced the sugar w/ 1TBS maple syrup and 5 drops liquid stevia – YUM! Thanks.
Pingback: ricotta-green onion-chive gnocchi with grandma rose’s basic tomato sauce | A to Ziti
Not only do these sound amazing and very festive, they look great. Perfect colors for Cinco De Mayo. Pinned!
This is perfect for all of the hot weather Napa’s been having. Thanks for sharing!
Pingback: Friday Favorites | Iowa Girl Eats
Can u substitute the water with club soda?
Thanks so much! I don’t drink and I get so bored of drinking Coke during the Summer. This looks like the perfect drink for our big family summer BBQ.
Pingback: Summer Nomspiration | fluorescent noise
Pingback: 25 Agua Frescas Recipes - Blackberry, Blueberry, Basil and More!
Pingback: Summer Cocktail Party | Alyssa & Carla
Pingback: Friday (DIY) Roundup: Best summer wedding cocktails | Belle & ChicBelle & Chic
Pingback: Journelle | Drink/Delicate
Pingback: Mood Board Monday | Tulle Wedding Skirts
Pingback: Mother's Day Recipe Round Up! - The Housewife in Training Files
fresh and look delicious.. i wanna drink that juice :D
Pingback: MONDAY THINGS | kearstin grace
Pingback: Just In Case You Forgot About Memorial Day Too | oh so decadent
Pingback: Lemon and Lime Wholewheat Donuts {baked} with Lemon Lime Glaze | Better with Cake
Pingback: Cantaloupe Melon and Kiwi Agua Fresca - Foodness Gracious
Pingback: DIY Cinco de Mayo Fiesta Party
Pingback: 23 Refreshing Summer Drinks That May Cure Your Soda Habit
Pingback: 23 Refreshing Summer Drinks That May Cure Your Soda Habit | Jain College Hostel
Pingback: 25 Agua Frescas Recipes - Blackberry, Blueberry, Basil and More!
Has anyone ever had or heard of watermelon agua fresca that was layered with shredded lettuce? We used to get together with a group in the summer and the Mexican host family always served this drink Even though this was almost 25 years ago I’ve never forgotten this. Any ideas about how to recreate
Pingback: 7 Refreshing Drinks That Beats Your Soda Habit - Today's Gal
Pingback: 125+ Summer Drink Recipes | the little kitchen
So we just made this last night… and I say forget Bourbon & Tequila! Rum is where it’s at!!! (& I don’t even think I like rum all that much, with mojitos being an exception ;) ) Soooo delish (see what I did there?) and perfect for the adults-only game night we hosted last night! They even left with a copy of the recipe in hand! #winwin
Oh, and the non-spiked version went over great with the 3 yr old!
What a great vers of a drink <3
Pingback: Bague Kagu | 鮮やかな色が楽しい♡夏の爽やかカクテルパーティの楽しみ方
Pingback: How to Juice a Watermelon
Pingback: 7 Healthy, Homemade Sodas - info-ideal
Pingback: Watermelon Recipes That’ll Keep You Happy All Summer Long - Spiritual People