Aguas Frescas: Mexico’s Favorite Drinks
In a country with a mostly mild to warm climate, refreshing drinks are essential to quench our thirst. Mexico is so vast that each state boasts more than one recipe for this purpose, each with its own unique touch and local ingredients. However, throughout the length and breadth of Mexico, you’ll always find aguas frescas.
What are these drinks?
Aguas frescas are characterized by their ease of preparation. You simply put everything in the blender or boil an ingredient, and that’s it! They don’t require days of preparation or lengthy processes. This can be summarized in a very simple formula:
Water + sugar (or a sweetener) + ingredient(s) + ice = Agua Fresca.
From this simple base, one can create an amalgamation of flavors and endless combinations, limited only by our imagination. The main idea is to use what we have handy; in Mexico, we waste as little as possible. If we have a very ripe fruit, it goes straight into the blender. If flowers or herbs grow in our garden, we make infusions with added sugar and ice. It’s that simple.
Ingredients
Fruits. Mexican fruits like guava, papaya, pineapple, or prickly pear, to more common ones like oranges and even bananas. Dried fruits such as plums, dates, cranberries, and raisins also work… really, any fruit works.
Vegetables. Cucumber is the most common. Alfalfa leaves and celery are also popular. Carrots, tomatoes, and nopales (an edible cactus) can also be used.
Grains. The most famous is rice, which is used to make one of the best-known variations of horchata. Oats, amaranth, and corn are also widely used.
Nuts. Walnuts are a favorite, but like the fruits, any nut can be used.
Flowers. The most well-known is hibiscus (Jamaica), but we can also use chamomile flowers and even bougainvillea. In this case, an infusion is always made.
Spices. Cinnamon and vanilla are the most common. Cloves, pepper, anise, and cardamom are less common. They can be used on their own or, in most cases, to enhance the flavor.
Herbs. Spearmint, basil, rosemary, and mint are the most widely used. To a lesser extent, lemon verbena, fresh thyme, and lemongrass are also used.
Sweeteners. Cane sugar is the most basic; it enhances the flavor of the ingredients and is economical. It can be substituted with piloncillo (solidified molasses), honey, or low-calorie sweeteners such as monk fruit or stevia.
Dairy. Condensed milk is a favorite because it is also used as a sweetener and adds creaminess. Yogurt, evaporated milk, and even some types of cheese can be the stars of aguas frescas.
Variations
The simplest way to prepare these delicious drinks is with the formula stated above. But since we in Mexico love variety and discovering new flavors, we always mix more than one ingredient. Fruits with fruits, fruits with vegetables, seeds with spices, flowers with aromatic herbs, among many other combinations. Here are some you’ll love:
- Cucumber with lemon juice and mint. Blend with water, sweeten to taste, and add ice.
- Hibiscus water. Let the flowers steep in water for a whole day; this way you preserve more nutrients. Add a little rosemary infusion, sweeten, chill, and enjoy.
- Blend pecans with water, condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract. Serve with chopped pecans, ground cinnamon, and ice to taste.
Another popular variation is to rim the glass with lemon, salt, or chili powder. These flavors pair beautifully with fruits like mango, watermelon, and pineapple, or vegetable combinations like tomato with celery or cucumber with lime. Try it! You’ll love it!
Chamoy, a sweet and sour sauce made from a type of plum, is also often used to rim glasses. On its own or combined with lime and chili, it goes very well with certain types of aguas frescas.
Adding a splash of spirits like tequila, mezcal, vodka, or rum can take your drink to another level, especially at adult gatherings. We call these “aguas locas” (crazy waters). It’s a way to socialize, relax, and stay refreshed.
Why we love aguas frescas
Versatility. As I mentioned, aguas frescas are very easy to prepare, and you can use almost any ingredient. Plus, if we don’t have time to make them at home, we can find them at any market or street stall.
Flavor. Many Mexicans find it difficult to drink plain water because of its neutral flavor. Adding other ingredients is a way to drink water and enjoy it.
Culture and nutrition. Aguas frescas are part of our identity and our daily lives. Mexican food is always linked to these drinks. Furthermore, it’s a way to avoid other sugary beverages like sodas.
A drink for every occasion. Although it’s mostly consumed in the afternoon, in warmer climates it’s great for breakfast and dinner. It’s a beverage option for all kinds of parties and celebrations and the perfect accompaniment to lunch at school and the office.
Some things you should know:
- Aguas frescas (fruit-flavored waters) are not juices, as the latter are obtained directly from fruit and/or vegetable juice.
- They are also not smoothies. The difference is that smoothies are denser and are generally made using dairy products, not water.
- On several of the tours, there are clients concerned about water quality. What we always say is – we can get sick, too – which is why we drink filtered water. This means that in most places they use water that has gone through a purification process. Generally, we don’t use water directly from the tap, most establishments or stands have their own purification systems. However, not all the spots in the city have these systems, therefore, it is best to take precautions and ensure the place is using purified water.
- Is ice safe? Yes. It’s very similar to water; it’s bought in sealed packages from different companies. In cases where the establishment makes it, they use the same filtered water. But if you notice that the hygiene isn’t what you consider adequate, it’s best not to consume it.
- Where to find aguas frescas. Taquerías, restaurants, markets, and street vendors. The most popular are horchata and jamaica. They’re generally placed in containers ready to serve, although in many places they’re also prepared fresh. This is a great added benefit because then we can order our favorite combinations.
Join us!
While you can find aguas frescas on almost every street corner, it’s always better to try something new with a local expert. Each tour is specially designed to give you the best possible experience and explanation. Most tours include at least one stop where you can try these refreshing drinks. We can suggest combinations, share tips, and guide you regarding ingredients and prices. This way, when you return home, you can prepare your own versions and take a little piece of Mexico with you.
