EspañolThis mandarin agua fresca is a Mexican drink that captures all the bright, sweet-tart flavor of fresh mandarin oranges in every sip. Ready in 15 minutes with just 3 ingredients, it's lighter than juice but more flavorful than flavored water, exactly what you need on a warm day.
What I love most about mandarins is that here in California, they're available almost year-round, which means I can make this refreshing drink whenever I'm craving something bright and citrusy.
Let me show you my special technique that sets this recipe apart.
The Secret to Perfect Agua de Mandarina
This isn't your typical mandarine orange agua fresca. My version has a secret that makes all the difference, I blend the whole fruit and add a bit of peel for an extra burst of citrus oils.
The result? A brighter, more complex flavor that's absolutely divine.
This recipe is also perfect for giving new life to mandarins that have been sitting in your fruit bowl a little too long. When the fruit is less than perfect, it's actually the ideal time to transform them into this refreshing drink! Let's make it!
Mandarins always remind me of Christmas time because we add them to the fruit bags we hand out during Las Posadas.
I have the sweetest memories of sitting by the fire with my cousins, peeling mandarins and peanuts, eating them as snacks while waiting for dinner. That citrusy aroma always takes me back to those cozy holiday moments.
Do you have a family memory and mandarins as well?
Get our Agua Fresca Flavor Chart with 12 combos to create new refreshing flavors.
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Ingredients and Utensils
- Mandarins – Less-than-perfect fruit works beautifully here!
- Sugar
- Water and ice
You'll also need a blender, fine-mesh strainer, pitcher, and glasses. Now let's create some liquid sunshine!
How to Make Mandarin Orange Agua Fresca Step by Step
1. Prepare the mandarins. Wash all mandarins thoroughly. Peel them all but set aside one peel.
2. First blend. Blend fruit, sugar and a little bit of water until completely smooth.
3. Add the magic touch. Add the reserved mandarin peel to the blender and pulse for just 3-4 seconds, no more! This brief blend releases those precious citrus oils without making the drink bitter.
4. Strain, mix and serve. Strain mixture into your pitcher. Add the remaining cups of cold water. Stir well and serve over ice.
Silvia's Tips
- The peel is where the magic happens, those oils give incredible depth of flavor, but don't over-blend or it becomes bitter.
- Always strain the mixture, you want that smooth, clean texture.
- Taste before adding all the water, some mandarins are sweeter than others, so adjust accordingly.
- This tastes best served ice-cold, so chill everything beforehand if possible.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Add a splash of lime juice for extra zing and garnish with lime slices.
- Mix with sparkling water for a festive, bubbly version.
- Add a few mint leaves during blending for a refreshing twist.
- Swap sugar for honey or agave for a more natural sweetness.
This agua fresca pairs beautifully with spicy dishes and snacks, try it next to a bowl of chips and guacamole or salsa verde. Also delicious with barbacoa tacos or cheese stuffed jalapeños.
Storage Instructions
Store in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours in a sealed pitcher. After that time it can start developing some bitternes. Always stir well before serving as natural separation will occur.
More Agua Fresca Recipes
If you love this mandarin version, you are going to love my lime agua fresca as well, give it a try.
Do you want a few more? Try cantaloupe agua fresca, pineapple agua fresca, guava agua fresca or kiwi agua fresca.
The beauty of agua frescas is their simplicity and versatility, let your creativity flow and enjoy every sip of these refreshing beverages. Let us know which one are you trying first.
Mandarin Agua Fresca Recipe
Ingredients
- 5-6 small mandarins Make sure to wash them really well since we'll be using one peel. Less-than-perfect fruit works beautifully here!
- 4-5 cups cold water
- 1/4 cup sugar or to taste
- Ice
Instructions
- Wash all mandarins thoroughly. Peel 4-5 mandarins completely and set aside one peel from the nicest-looking mandarin.
- In a blender, combine the peeled mandarin segments (reserve the peel), sugar, and 2 cups of water. Blend until completely smooth.
- Add the magic touch. Add the reserved mandarin peel to the blender and pulse for just 3-4 seconds – no more! This brief blend releases those precious citrus oils without making the drink bitter.
- Pour the mixture through the strainer into your pitcher, pressing the pulp gently to extract all the liquid. Add the remaining 2-3 cups of cold water and stir well.
- Pour over ice and enjoy immediately, or chill in the refrigerator before serving.
Nutrition
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