Growing up in California, I was introduced early to a good deal of Mexican food. One of my favorite discoveries as a small child was agua fresca. I will never forget the first time I was handed a glass on a hot, summer’s day and drank deeply of this incredibly refreshing beverage. It was watermelon, still my favorite flavor of agua fresca, though I’ve enjoyed many other delicious versions. It can be done with nearly any fruit, but melons and strawberries always seem to be the most popular flavors. It can also be done with cucumber and lime, though I must admit I haven’t tried that one out. I probably will sometime this summer, because it sounds both interesting and remarkably refreshing.
Anyway, I found an actual recipe (I’d never really used a formal recipe for this before, but the proportions look right and the steps match pretty much what I’d been doing) at a website called What’s 4 Eats, which is devoted to recipes from around the world. Here’s what you do to make agua fresca (fresh water):
3 Cups fresh fruit, coarsly chopped
6-8 Cups water
1/2 – 3/4 Cup sugar, depending on tartness of fruit and personal taste
1/4 Cup lime juice (optional)
1: Add fruit and 2 – 3 Cups of water to a blender and puree well. Strain through a seive into a large pitcher.
2: Add the rest of the water (to the six-cup point) and 1/2 Cup sugar. Stir well. Add more sugar and more water until you reach the desired consistancy and sweetness. Serve chilled. Makes 2 1/2 Quarts.
Trust me, there is nothing better on an icky hot day than agua fresca. In fact, I may make some strawberry today. Mmm…strawberries.
This sounds so refreshing! Thanks for sharing the recipe site. I’ve never seen that one. :)
Comment by Angel — May 18, 2008 @ 2:43 pm
Oh how random, I made some of this today! Unfortunately, after spending half an hour getting the strawberries cut up, the blender working, and the drink strained, I promptly knocked the whole thing on the floor and only got a little sip of it. I’ll have to try it again soon, I guess.
Comment by Beth Ann — May 18, 2008 @ 8:07 pm
Also sounds like a great light mixer for vodka! Yummy! Possibilities abound! We will enjoy!
Comment by Jennie — May 18, 2008 @ 8:21 pm
It really is great, Angel. And enjoy the site! There are a lot of great recipes on there. I’m already planning to try out several.
Jennie, that’s what I love about writing for Big Girl: all the imaginative party plotters are hanging here.
Comment by Twistie — May 18, 2008 @ 9:43 pm
My favorite is tamarind water. So good!
Comment by Jassy — May 19, 2008 @ 12:38 am
My favorite is jamaica (dried hibiscus flowers).
Comment by anon — May 19, 2008 @ 4:27 pm