Aguas Frescas

I’m taking break from tea time today to discuss another beverage:  Agua Fresca. 

Tidy rows of huge barrel-shaped jars filled with Aguas Frescas color street stalls and markets in Mexico.  These “fresh waters” are infused with fruits, flowers, grains or seeds.  They are becoming popular here, too, not only for their fresh taste but also because they are a healthy alternative to sodas.

Here, aguas frescas are most often made from fruit.  We’re having a very good strawberry season, so strawberry agua fresca holds pride of place in my refrigerator right now. 

Here’s how to make it:

Combine 3 cups of strawberries, hulled and halved, 2 c. cold water and 2 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lime juice in your blender carafe.  Blend until the mixture is very smooth and then strain it through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher or glass jar.  Discard the solids.  Stir 2 Tbsp. of honey into the strained mixture.  Serve over ice. Couldn't be easier.

Have fun with this drink.  Pick up your favourite seasonal fruit from the farmers’ market or pick some berries as they ripen on the vine.  Try different combinations of flavours.  If you like to eat fruit, you’ll enjoy drinking it too.

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Photo agua fresca bar:  i-heart-mexico.blogspot.com

Photo strawberry agua fresca:  themartinblog.com