Agua Fresca Recipe (Several Flavors!) - Downshiftology (2025)

Agua fresca is an easy, refreshing fruit drink. And while it’s made from just fruit, water, lime juice, and a little sweetener, this combination will surely quench your thirst. Blend up a large jug of this for your next outdoor party or to enjoy in your backyard on a warm summer day.

Agua Fresca Recipe Video

Before we dive into the recipe and tips below, let me show you how you how I quickly blend up this recipe. Give it a watch below!

What Is Agua Fresca?

While it may sound like an exotic Mexican cocktail, agua frescas are non-alcoholic drinks made from fresh fruits, crisp veggies, or seeds. They’re commonly found in Mexico and Central America among street vendors. But bodegas, restaurants, and juice bars serve them as well, just as they serve another Mexican favorite, horchata.

Luckily, agua fresca is easy enough to make right at home. All you need is chopped fruit, water, sugar, and a blender – that’s it. Which leads into my next point as to why I love homemade aguas frescas. They’re made with all natural ingredients, they make the most of peak in-season fruits, and they’re much healthier than most store-bought fruit juices. So let’s get blending my friends.

Best Types Of Fruits To Use

While watermelon is one of the most popular kinds of agua frescas, there’s plenty of other options. It’s best to stick with naturally sweet fruits such as honeydew, or ones that are extremely refreshing such as cucumber. Some of my favorites include:

• Watermelon
• Honeydew
• Pineapple
• Cantaloupe
• Strawberries
• Guava
• Papaya
• Cucumber

If I had to choose just one favorite though, it would be pineapple. So delicious! Also, note that other berries such as blackberries or blueberries aren’t great options as they’re too seedy or pulpy.

How To Make Agua Fresca

This is what you’ll need.

• 4 cups freshly chopped fruit
• 3 cups water
• 1-2 tablespoon sugar (I’m using maple syrup)
• 1 lime, juiced

Once you’ve got all your ingredients, here’s how you’ll blend them.

• Add the fruit, 3 cups of water, and sweetener to the blender. Puree until it’s completely smooth.
• Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a large pitcher. This isn’t required, but it does help to remove some sediment from fruits such as pineapple and cantaloupe.
• Taste test to see if you’d like to add any more sweetness.
• Serve immediately over ice, or refrigerate it for up to 72 hours.

How Long Will This Last In The Fridge?

Agua frescas are best served immediately over ice. But if you want to save leftovers or make this ahead of time, they can be chilled in the refrigerator up to 72 hours. Just make sure to give it a good stir before serving as the liquid will separate over time.

More Refreshing Drinks

If you’re in the mood for an actual cocktail though, I have a few other refreshing drinks for you to try.

• White Sangria With Mango And Berries
• Moscato Sangria
• Classic Margarita
• Mango Margarita
• Mojito