Aguas Frescas de México... with a recipe

A recent e-exchange with Becky at Kid World Citizen brought to mind a refreshing memory of my times in Mexico: aguas frescas.

Spanish for "fresh water," an agua fresca drink is simply the combination of pureed fruit, water, some sugar, and a little lime. And in the Mexican heat, soooo refreshing!

While you'll see aguas frescas displayed in beautiful glass jars, don't be surprised if yours is served to you in a plastic bag tied around a straw, especially if bought from a street vendor or small neighborhood shop. Yep, that's how it's done in Mexico, Central America, and even the Philippines... and perhaps elsewhere that I've not visited. This allows the vendor to hang onto the all important bottle deposit... unfortunately with little regard for the additional waste. But a fun and quirky travel experience nonetheless!

Ready to ditch the All-American powdered soft drink and try a healthier, more natural thirst quencher? 

Here is the recipe I use for agua fresca de fresa (strawberry):

Agua Fresca de Fresa Recipe

Puree 2 CUPS of strawberries and 3 CUPS of water.
Strain the puree through cheesecloth or a mesh sieve, being sure to collect the liquid, as that is the part you need for the drink!
Stir in 2 TBS sugar or agave. (We use agave... may need extra for sugar.)
Squeeze in 1 lime.
Refrigerate for several hours; serve well chilled.
Stir well before serving.

Have fun experimenting with different fruits, more/less lime and sugar, different fruit-to-water ratios, even adding a sprig of mint, depending on your preferences. The options are limitless!

And you? Any favorite refreshers from your travels?