Mango Fresca Cocktail Recipe

WRITTEN BY: SCOTT VAN DORT

The Mango Fresca is a spirited version of an Agua Fresca made with Mango Flavored Vodka. 

Inspired by a traditional Agua Fresca, a non-alcoholic beverage dating back to the Aztecs, this fresca cocktail recipe mixes Absolut Mango, Fresh Mango, Lime Juice, and Water.

“It’s a delicious drink – clean and fruit-forward,” says Ricardo ‘Rico’ Dynan, Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador. “It tastes like ripe mango and it’s perfect for any BBQ, dinner party or anytime you’re doing batch drinks for a lot of friends.” Yep, it’s the pinnacle of summer cocktails.

Note: This Mango Fresca is not to be confused with the Mango Agua Fresca, which is a non-alcoholic drink like the original Agua Fresca.

How To Make a Mango Fresca

What You’ll Need

• Blender
• Jigger or Measuring Instrument 
• Paring Knife
• Highball Glass

How to Mix

1. Cut a Mango in half with a Paring Knife, slice into spears, and set one aside for garnish.
2. Place the Mango spears into a Blender.
3. Measure and pour Water into the Blender.
4. Juice one Lime half into the Blender using a Citrus Press.
5. Measure and pour Absolut Mango into the Blender using a Jigger.
6. Add two teaspoons of White Sugar.
7. Blend on high for several seconds.
8. Fill a Highball Glass with Ice Cubes and pour the cocktail into the Glass.
9. Place a Mango spear directly into the Glass to garnish.
10. Sip and enjoy!

The History of the Mango Fresca 

The Mango Fresca is a spirited twist on the traditional Agua Fresca, a non-alcoholic beverage with roots tracing all the way back to Aztec times. 

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.

An Agua Fresca is made by blending fruit, seeds, grains, or flowers with water and sugar. The drink is renowned for its wonderful cooling effect.

In recent decades, the Agua Fresca has captured the attention of bartenders who have created versions of the drink with alcohol. You can use any spirit, including Tequila or Vodka. 

The recipe you’ll find on this page is created by Ricardo ‘Rico’ Dynan, Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador.

Tips for Making the Perfect Mango Fresca 

Squeeze your own Lime Juice
As we always say, if you want your drinks to taste amazing, then you’ve got to use fresh ingredients.  

For this recipe, be sure to juice limes yourself. It adds a wonderfully fresh, zesty flavor that perfectly balances the sweetness and smooth texture of the Mango.

Variations of a Mango Fresca 

• Experiment with another Absolut Flavored Vodka
  Rico chose Absolut Mango, but feel free to try another Absolut Flavored Vodka and pair it with a complementary fruit for your own unique twist! Of course, it won’t be a Mango Fresca. Instead, it might be a Watermelon Fresca or a Wild Berri Fresca—the possibilities are endless.
• Agua Fresca
  The drink that inspired our Mango Fresca – the original Agua Fresca. This delicious and refreshing non-alcoholic drink is made with Crushed Ice,Watermelon Juice,
Lemon Juice
 and Simple Syrup, and is then garnished with a Lime Wedge. So fresh and delicious!Ever wondered to yourself, “How do I get more juice when I’m juicing?”. Then you’ll like our article on how to get the perfect juice for your cocktails.

  Here’s the recipe for an Agua Fresca.

Serving and Garnish Ideas for a Mango Fresca 

Serve the Mango Fresca in a Highball Glass filled with Ice Cubes and garnish with a Mango Spear.

If you’re making this drink with another Absolut Flavored Vodka, we recommend garnishing with a complementary fruit. For example, if you’re using Absolut Watermelon, top your drink with a Watermelon Wedge. Absolut Lime with a Lime Wedge. And so on.