10 Mexican Agua Fresca Recipes to Make at Home

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Agua fresca is more than just a beverage; it can be any number of different beverages. They are cultural touchstones representing a multitude of Mexico's flavors, regions, and traditions.

All are refreshing, bright beverages perfect for almost any occasion, from a hot summer’s day to a festive celebration. Here is a list of recipes to easily make some of my favorites at home.

Aguas frescas collage

I grew up drinking these yummy aguas frescas from the traditional agua de limón that my mom made several days per week at dinner time, to the creamy agua de horchata that I bought when I was hanging out with friends in Mexican paleterias

In Central Mexico they are also known as “preparados de fruta” in restaurants, so if you see that on the menu, you’ll know what that’s about.

These delicious drinks have been popular in Latin communities for decades, but they recently have been gaining more and more popularity throughout the general population in the United States. I see them more frequently now at supermarkets and restaurants, in addition to traditional sources like street vendors and Mexican markets. 

I highly recommend trying them at home to play with your favorite flavors and adjust for the right amount of sweetness for your taste. 

Strawberry horchata agua fresca in a glass with ice and a slice of strawberry on tp of a wooden table.

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What is Agua Fresca?

Agua fresca is a traditional Mexican drink that combines natural ingredients such as fruit, flowers, vegetables, grains, cereals, herbs, and spices, with water (or sometimes with milk), and sugar or another type of sweetener, like maple syrup or agave nectar.

The result is a refreshing beverage that is light and perfect for quenching your thirst any day. 

It literally translates from Spanish as “fresh water” or “cool water,” and some of the most popular agua fresca flavors include jamaica, made from an edible hibiscus flower, watermelon, lime, tamarind, and horchata.

Of course, there are as many combinations as your creativity inspires you to create.

How to Make Aguas Frescas?

Aguas frescas are easy to make and only require a few ingredients. For easier recipes, you need to blend the fresh fruit (frozen fruit works as well) with cold water or milk and sugar until smooth and then serve over ice. 

For agua fresca made of grains, flowers, or cereals, you may need to soak some ingredients to extract the most flavor. But either way, they are delicious. Get your favorite fruit, and let’s try a few recipes!

8 Mexican Agua Fresca Recipes

1. Watermelon Agua Fresca (Agua de Sandía)

This classic agua fresca is perfect for a hot summer’s day. It’s also one of the easiest recipes as it only combines the fruit with water and a little bit of simple syrup. Add an extra layer to its flavor profile with some mint or fresh lime juice. 

watermelon agua fresca
Mexican Watermelon Cooler
Take me to the recipe.

2. Mexican Lime (Agua de Limón)

This agua fresca recipe, a family favorite, uses the whole lime, rind and juice, for a sweet and tangy beverage with a very intense flavor. You will need a strainer for this one. Some families add chia seeds before serving. Decorate your glasses with lime wedges. 

Agua Fresca de Limón
Lime Agua Fresca
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3. Guava (Agua de Guayaba)

Guava is a tropical fruit that offers a very fragrant, sweet flavor. Guavas have a lot of seeds, so you will need a strainer to remove them after blending. 

guava agua fresca
Guava Agua Fresca
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4. Pineapple-Coconut

My recipe has no added sugar and shows how to prepare it any day of the year because it uses ingredients straight from your pantry. It’s creamy and delicious. Enjoy!

Pineapple coconut agua fresca in a pitcher and a glass. The glass is garnished with mint and a piece of pineapple and has a white and purple straw.
Pineapple Coconut Agua Fresca
This Pineapple Coconut agua fresca recipe was inspired by my childhood. It's perfect for after school, a party, or a trip to the park. Make it any time of the year and with just 3 ingredients.
Take me to the recipe.

5. Hibiscus Cooler (Agua de Jamaica)

Agua de jamaica is one of the most popular agua fresca drinks in Mexico. This tart, simple recipe is perfect for a hot day. It's made with special, dried, edible hibiscus flowers and cane sugar, and its color is so striking that I love displaying it in a glass pitcher.

Jamaica Agua Fresca in a glass on top of a wooden table
Agua de Jamaica, the Hibiscus Flower Drink
Agua de Jamaica is a refreshing drink made of dry hibiscus flower. Is very refreshing and light. Ideal for family gatherings or Sunday brunch. 
Take me to the recipe.

6. Quince (Agua de Membrillo)

This agua fresca is unique. Please take advantage of the Fall season when quince is available and try it out. You won’t be disappointed!

quince agua fresca in a glass next to a slice of quince on a blue wooden table
Quince Agua Fresca
This quince agua fresca, with its crisp flavor and floral aroma, makes for the perfect, simple Autumn drink.
Take me to the recipe.

7. Strawberry (Agua de Fresa)

You just need 3 ingredients to prepare this refreshing agua fresca. Garnish with spearmint and strawberry slices. 

Strawberry agua fresca in a glass with ice and mint leaves
Mexican Strawberry Agua Fresca
A refreshing drink for a sunny afternoon, brunch or party. This strawberry agua fresca is ready in just a few minutes and needs just 3 ingredients.
Take me to the recipe.

8. Kiwi Fruit (Agua de Kiwi)

This agua fresca is sweet and tangy, with a smooth texture you will love. Use either fresh or frozen kiwis. 

Agua de kiwi
Kiwi Fruit Agua Fresca
Kiwi fruit agua fresca, or agua de kiwi, delivers a silky, refreshing, sweet and tangy taste sensation you will love. It’s perfect for quenching your thirst on hot days or for serving at mealtimes.
Take me to the recipe.

9. Strawberry Horchata

This agua fresca is sweet and creamy with a beautiful hint of cinnamon. In contrast to traditional horchata, this agua fresca needs no rice soaking as it's prepared with rice flour, so it will be ready to enjoy in no time.

Strawberry horchata
Strawberry Horchata
Strawberry Horchata combines fragrant strawberries with the rich goodness of classic horchata. No rice soaking required, ready in minutes.
Take me to the recipe.

10. Coffee Horchata

Also known as Horchata Latte, this perfect drink combines two of my favorite flavors: coffee and horchata. The rice is soaked overnight with cinnamon, then blended in a high-powered blender and strained into a large pitcher. Coffee and condensed milk bring everything together. Such a treat!

Mexican coffee horchata in a glass
Coffee Horchata Agua Fresca
Take me to the recipe.

Whether you prefer fruity and sweet flavors or tart and tangy ones, there is an agua fresca recipe for everyone. I hope this list inspires you to try making your own aguas frescas at home and experiment with different flavors and ingredients.

Tell us what is your favorite.

Silvia Martinez
Latest posts by Silvia Martinez (see all)

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