Considered a traditional Mexican beverage, aguas frescas are made from fruits, cereals, or seeds, combined with water and sugar. They do not contain any alcohol and should be consumed cold, as these drinks are made for hot weather, hence their name "frescas". They can be served during meals or simply to refresh oneself on a sunny day. They are ideal for kids. Making aguas frescas at home is very simple, especially when it comes to fruit water; others require cooking, but they are still easy to make. Some of the most appreciated aguas frescas include agua de Jamaica, agua de horchata, agua de tamarind, agua de watermelon, and of course, agua de lime, but there are many more. For example, Mexican agua de horchata is made with rice and cinnamon, and there are other types of horchata in other countries, such as in Cuba or Puerto Rico, which is made with sesame seeds, or in Ecuador, which is prepared with flowers and aromatic herbs. Regarding agua de Jamaica, which many of you have likely tried, it is made by infusing hibiscus flowers. Finally, the aguas frescas served to accompany traditional Mexican meals usually seek a sweet and sour contrast, so the fruits chosen for these drinks are often from the acidic fruit group; this is one that will be most familiar to all of us, as in our country, we have all enjoyed agua with sugar and lemon.

Cooking Recipes

Now that we know what aguas frescas are and where they come from, why not prepare some to accompany our meals or simply to refresh ourselves? (we recommend clicking on the recipe title for more preparation details) Lemon, Orange, and Cucumber Water. Refreshing water for these hot days. Lemon Water. Lemon water is a classic drink rich in vitamin C. This recipe uses a secret to achieve a delicious lemon foam. Rice Horchata Water. A typical Mexican drink made from rice and sugar. Jamaica Water. Jamaica water is a very rich and diuretic drink. This beverage is commonly consumed in Mexico during meals, dinners, parties, etc. Oat Water. Very fresh and delicious oat water for any occasion. Pineapple Water with Ginger. A rich fresh pineapple water with a hint of ginger. Ideal for summer.  

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