Agua Fresca (fresh fruit beverage, Mexico)
Submitted by I-House Children's Storytelling Program
Yield: about 2 1/2 quarters
Ingredients:
- 3 cups fresh fruit chopped coarsely
- 6-8 cups water
- 1/2 to 3/4 cups sugar
- 1/4 cup lime juice (opt.)
Method:
Basic Steps: Puree -> Strain -> Sweeten -> Chill
1. Add fruits and 2-3 cups of water to a blender. Puree well. Strain through a sieve into a large pitcher.
2. Add rest of water and 1/2 cup of sugar and stir well. Add more water and sugar as needed. Serve well chilled.
Variations:
Agua de Melo'n: Use cantaloupe or any other melon
Agua de Sandi'a: Use watermelon
Agua de Fresa: Use strawberries
Agua de Papaya: Use papaya - Additional lime juice makes a tastier beverage here
Agua Fresca de Pepino - Use peeled, seeded cucumbers and lime juice - Cut down on the sugar. Very refreshing.
Agua frescas are fresh fruit drinks that are very popular all over Mexico. They are typically served from large barrel-shaped glass containers. Some of the more traditional varieties are listed above.
