Agua Fresca
Easy
Fresh & Fruity
2 Minutes
Highball Glass
Ingredients
The Agua Fresca is a non-alcoholic beverage believed to date back to Aztec times.
Also known as frescas or aguas, these drinks are the ultimate summer thirst-quencher and come in countless variations, all centered around blending one or more fruits with sugar and water.
Here we’ll show you how to make a deliciously refreshing Watermelon Agua Fresca.
How To Make an agua fresca DRINK
Bar tools you’ll need
Jigger
Knife
Citrus Elbow
Bar Spoon
How to Mix
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Fill a highball glass with crushed ice.
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Use a jigger (or measuring instrument) to measure and pour watermelon into the glass.
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Measure and pour chilled water into the glass.
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Cut and juice lemon using a citrus elbow (or citrus press).
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Measure and add lemon juice to the glass.
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Measure and pour simple syrup into the glass.
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Use a bar spoon to thoroughly stir the drink.
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Finish by garnishing with a lime wheel placed on the side of the glass.
Watch how to make an Agua Fresca
ALL ABOUT THE AGUA FRESCA
Agua Fresca is a non-alcoholic drink originating from Mexico made with fresh fruit juice, sugar and chilled water.
Light and cooling, like a lighter version of fruit juice, with sugar and lemon creating a perfectly balanced sweet and sour taste.
The flavor, of course, depends on the ingredients. Since we use watermelon as the fruit of choice for our Agua Fresca, naturally the watermelon takes center stage, balancing its sweetness with the tartness of lemon.
The Agua Fresca is said to have roots tracing all the way back to Aztec times. The basic recipe for Agua Fresca involves mixing fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers, or seeds with water and a sweetener.
Agua Frescas (“fresco” in Nicaragua and Honduras) are popular across many Latin American countries and in parts of the United States, particularly cities with large Latino populations.
In recent decades, the Agua Fresca has captured the attention of bartenders who have created spirited versions with tequila or vodka.
Use fresh fruit juice
As we always say, using fresh ingredients is key to making your drinks taste amazing. And this means juicing your own fruits – no store-bought bottled stuff allowed, season and location allowing, of course.
If you have a juicer, we highly recommend juicing your own watermelon. If you don’t have a juicer, use a hand mixer and then strain the juice through a sieve to remove the pulp and seeds.
Given that the basic recipe for Agua Fresca includes fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers, or seeds combined with water and a sweetener, the possibilities and variations are endless. Follow the recipe on this page and replace watermelon with another fruit and you’ve got yourself a whole new Fresca!
- Spirited Agua Fresca
For an episode of Absolut Drinks, Ricardo ‘Rico’ Dynan, Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador, makes a Mango Fresca with mango-flavored vodka.However, as he explains, in the video, you can replace mango-flavored vodka for any other flavored vodka to create your own spirited Agua Fresca.
- An Agua Fresca should be served in a tall glass such as a highball filled with crushed ice.
- Garnish with a slice of fruit or a sprig of mint. For our Watermelon Agua Fresca, we opt for a classic lime wheel. However, you could also garnish it with a watermelon wedge or lemon wedge.
Agua Fresca FAQ
No. An Agua Fresca mixes fresh fruit with chilled water (often in equal parts) and a sweetener.
Agua Fresca is made with either fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers, or seeds, which is then combined with chilled water and a sweetener, such as simple syrup.
No. The Agua Fresca is a Mexican beverage that dates back to Aztec times.
Absolutely! When using fresh fruit juice, you’ll need an alternative method to juice your fruits. Ideally, a juicer works best. Depending on the fruit, you could also use a citrus press or a hand mixer.
