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    Home » Recipes » Drinks » Agua Fresca: A Cinco de Mayo Recipe

    Last updated: Apr 2, 2022 by Melissa Riker · 33 Comments

    Agua Fresca: A Cinco de Mayo Recipe

    Jump to Recipe
    strawberry, cantaloupe and cucumber agua fresca in glasses with pitchers
    collage with photo of agua fresca

    Agua Frescas are simple fruit drinks made with fruit blended with water, lime juice and sugar. They are simple, refreshing drinks perfect for summer entertaining!

    strawberry, cantaloupe and cucumber agua fresca in glasses with pitchers

    What is Agua Fresca?

    If you can reach back into the archives of high school Spanish you'll know that Agua Fresca translates to "fresh water" but this amazing drink is so much more than that!

    Agua Fresca can be made with just about any fruit you can think of, combined with water, ice, and sugar or other sweetener.

    Agua frescas are popular in Mexico and Central America as a healthy non-alcoholic drink

    cantaloupe, limes, strawberries and cucumbers

    Flavor Variations

    While I'm only sharing three recipes below, remember that you can make these delicious fruit drinks with many different types of fruits like strawberries, pineapple, honeydew, and mango.

    Watermelon Agua Fresca is another very popular option, for that variation just omit the extra water as the fruit itself has plenty!

    I don't recommend making this recipe with blueberries or blackberries, however. These fruits are too chunky when pureed and require straining the mixture through a fine mesh sieve and usually aren't sweet enough as well.

    Also, while pitted cherries taste delicious, the color turns muddy pretty quickly which makes the drink less appealing.

    Base Agua Fresca Recipe

    For each recipe below combine all of the ingredients in a blender (affiliate link) and puree until smooth and slushy and sugar is dissolved! The basic recipe is:

    • 4 cups water
    • 2 cups fresh fruit
    • ¼ cup sugar
    • 2 teaspoons lime juice
    • 2 cups ice
    • lime wedges & mint for garnish (optional)

    You can serve agua frescas to a crowd and pour from a pitcher or you can serve individually garnished with mint springs and sliced fruit for an extra special presentation.

    If you like agua fresca, you might also like to try my Strawberry Iced Tea, Peach Iced Tea, or Strawberry Lemonade recipes!

    Agua Fresca Variations:

    Cucumber Agua Fresca

    cucumber agua fresca in glass
    • 2 cups thinly sliced seeded peeled cucumbers
    • 4 cups cold water
    • 2 cups crushed ice
    • ¼ cup sugar
    • 2 teaspoons lime juice

    Cantaloupe Agua Fresca

    catnaloupe agua fresca in glass
    • 1 (3-pound) ripe cantaloupe or other small melon, diced
    • 4 cups cold water
    • 2 teaspoons lime juice
    • ¼ cup sugar
    • 2 cups crushed ice

    Strawberry Agua Fresca

    strawberry agua fresca in glass
    • 4 cups ripe strawberries, hulled and sliced
    • ¼ cup granulated sugar
    • 4 cups water
    • 2 cups crushed ice
    • 2 teaspoons lime juice
    overhead view of many flavors of agua fresca in glasses on wood tray

    I hope you give these recipes a try this weekend-or anytime this summer! They are so refreshing, my favorite is actually the cucumber, it reminds me of something they would serve at a spa!

    If you try this recipe, please comment and rate it below!

    Print
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    catnaloupe agua fresca in glass

    Basic Agua Fresca

    ★★★★★ 5 from 1 reviews
    • Author: Melissa
    • Prep Time: 5 minutes
    • Total Time: 5 minutes
    • Yield: 4
    • Category: Drinks
    • Method: Puree
    • Cuisine: mexican
    Print Recipe
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    Description

    Agua Frescas are simple fruit drinks made with fruit blended with water, lime juice and sugar. They are simple, refreshing drinks perfect for summer entertaining!


    Ingredients

    Units Scale
    • 4 cups water
    • 2 cups fresh fruit
    • ¼ cup sugar
    • 2 teaspoons lime juice
    • 2 cups ice
    • lime wedges & mint for garnish (optional)

    Instructions

    Combine all of the ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth and slushy and sugar is dissolved. Serve immediately.


    Notes

    Nutritional information is for Strawberry Agua Fresca, exact nutrition info will changed based on fruit used.

    Keywords: Agua Fresca

    Did you make this recipe?

    Share a photo and tag @thehappierhomemaker — we can't wait to see what you've made!

    This post was originally posted May 1, 2013, but has been updated April 2019 with better photography and answers to reader questions.

    « Low Carb Paloma Cocktail
    Sweet and Salty Snack Mix »
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Emily says

      April 30, 2019 at 11:55 am

      Love these and have been using your recipe for years. The updated pictures look great!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    2. Cathy says

      May 07, 2013 at 12:48 am

      Hi there! I am co-hosting this week on Fit Frugal Family Link Party. Thanks for linking up!

      I also host a TGIF Link Party over at my place -- A Peek Into Paradise... https://apeekintomyparadise.blogspot.com/ Would love for you to link up, Opens on Fridays and stays open until Wednesday at midnight.

      Thanks again for visiting Fit Frugal Family Link party!

      Have a terrific week!

      Hugs, Cathy

      Reply
      • Melissa Riker says

        May 08, 2013 at 10:20 am

        Thanks Cathy I'll try to stop by and link up!

        Reply
    3. Simplee Sue says

      May 06, 2013 at 10:02 pm

      These look refreshing and I know that they are good because they make them here in Honduras also. Thank you for sharing the recipes.
      Consider yourself hugged,
      https://simpleesue.com/try-one-new-recipe-a-week-perfectly-peanut-butter-brownies/

      Reply
      • Melissa Riker says

        May 08, 2013 at 10:21 am

        Thanks! And I'm totally going to check out those peanut butter brownies-yum!!

        Reply
    4. Kim @ Soliloquy Of Food & Such says

      May 06, 2013 at 12:30 am

      I love aqua frescas - my favs are cantaloupe & pineapple...they are highly underated, imho.
      Stopping by from I Should Be Mopping The Floor, have a great week!!

      Reply
      • Melissa Riker says

        May 08, 2013 at 10:24 am

        I'll have to try pineapple, I haven't had that yet. I just got a watermelon to make some today!

        Reply
    5. Michelle says

      May 05, 2013 at 10:15 pm

      Watermelon has always been my favorite. Thanks for reminding me what a cool refreshing drink this is for summer!

      Michelle @ On A Wing And A Prayer

      Reply
      • Melissa Riker says

        May 05, 2013 at 11:04 pm

        I have a watermelon on my counter for the same purpose! If only it would feel more spring/summer-y outside I'd be set!!

        Reply
    6. Diana Rambles says

      May 05, 2013 at 7:34 pm

      Yum!!

      Reply
      • Melissa Riker says

        May 05, 2013 at 11:05 pm

        Thanks Diana, I hope you like them as much as I did!!

        Reply
    7. Karen says

      May 05, 2013 at 11:14 am

      I can't figure out which to make first, but I want them all. Pinned this and shared a link on my blog. Thanks for sharing!!
      Karen @ annumography

      Reply
    8. Anne says

      May 03, 2013 at 9:49 pm

      These are making me thirsty! I am always on the lookout for yummy drinks...pinned!

      Reply
    9. Jessi @ Practically Functional says

      May 03, 2013 at 3:26 pm

      Oh my gosh, these look amazing! I'm definitely going to have to try them!

      Reply
    10. Sande says

      May 03, 2013 at 11:19 am

      The Strawberry Agua Fresca looks and sounds so refreshing and looks really appealing. Thanks so much for the recipes and I will be returning often to your blog.

      Reply
    11. Emily says

      May 03, 2013 at 9:12 am

      those all look so refreshing!! Came over from What Shakin... I blog at nap-timecreations.com... would love to have you stop by.

      Reply
    12. Heather May says

      May 03, 2013 at 8:51 am

      these look gorgeous!!! i am having some family over for a birthday and just may have to make these! I am trying to break a diet pepsi addiction and maybe these would do it! I am hosting today at https://www.frugalfitfamily.com - swing by and share if you can!

      Reply
    13. debbiedoos says

      May 02, 2013 at 8:42 pm

      Ohhh yummy! I love fresca and this puts a nice little twist on it.

      Reply
    14. Jocie@OPC The Better Half says

      May 02, 2013 at 6:14 pm

      yum!!! but wheres the tequila for cinch de mayo??!?! 🙂

      Reply
      • Melissa Riker says

        May 02, 2013 at 7:31 pm

        You'll have to come spike them for me Jocie!

        Reply
    15. jenny@birdsandsoap says

      May 02, 2013 at 12:19 pm

      Yum! I've been craving tons of fruit this pregnancy. I have to try these. Cantaloupe sounds delish!

      Reply
      • Melissa Riker says

        May 02, 2013 at 7:32 pm

        I hope you like them Jenny-they were soooo good!

        Reply
    16. Angie says

      May 02, 2013 at 12:16 pm

      Thanks! Love this idea!

      Reply
      • Melissa Riker says

        May 02, 2013 at 7:35 pm

        Thanks Angie!

        Reply
    17. Crystal says

      May 02, 2013 at 11:05 am

      Looks freshing!! Summertime here we come!! Thanks for the recipes!!

      Reply
      • Melissa Riker says

        May 02, 2013 at 7:36 pm

        No problem, I hope you like them as much as I did!!

        Reply
    18. Beth@Unskinny Boppy says

      May 02, 2013 at 9:21 am

      So, I know what I'm gonna be drinking by the pool this summer.

      Reply
      • Melissa Riker says

        May 02, 2013 at 7:36 pm

        Me too Beth! They're the prefect poolside drink!

        Reply
    19. Amanda says

      May 02, 2013 at 9:03 am

      Pinning this for sure....and adding a little vodka 🙂

      Reply
      • Melissa Riker says

        May 02, 2013 at 7:37 pm

        I might try that next time!

        Reply
    20. keri @ shaken together says

      May 02, 2013 at 6:12 am

      These look SO so good! Pretty sure they'll be a summer staple! Pinned!

      Reply
      • Melissa Riker says

        May 02, 2013 at 7:38 pm

        Thank Keri! I hope you like them as much as I did!

        Reply

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