Agua Frescas are fresh fruit drinks that are very popular throughout Mexico. It is basically a fresh pineapple sweet
water, and it's very refreshing to drink during hot summer months. You will find these drinks at street stands all over Mexico and also at
restaurants. They are usually served from large barrel-shaped glass containers (vitroleros).
Aguas are easy to make and can be made with just about any
fruit. They are natural and healthy and are inexpensive when made with seasonal fruit. These delicious fruit drinks are a lot like sorbets, as they freshen the
palate. they provide a perfect balance to the spiciness of Mexican foods.
Check out more of Linda's
Beverage Recipes and this
Basic Simple Syrup Recipe for sweetening your favorite drinks.
Mexican Pineapple Water Recipe
Recipe Type:
Beverage,
Pineapple
Cuisine: Mexican
Yields: makes a large pitcher
Prep time: 15 min
Ingredients:
1 ripe fresh pineapple*
1 to 2 cups granulated sugar (or to taste), divided**
8 to 10 cups water
Ice cubes
*
Smell the pineapple when purchasing. You should pick up a sweet flavor. The stronger the smell, the riper the fruit. Turn the
pineapple upside down in an empty container for a few hours before you grill it to distribute the sugar throughout the fruit.
** It is hard to give precise
measurements on this recipe, because the size and ripeness of each pineapple
varies. The amount of sugar needed will vary depending on the sweetness of
the fruit, and also your taste. Sugar substitutes may also be used if
desired. So - taste your pineapple before adding sugar!
Preparation:
Cut of ends of the pineapple. With a sharp knife, quarter and
then cut into eights. Cut off the outside or skin of the pineapple. Then cut the
pineapple pieces into cubes
.
Place the pineapple cubes, sugar, and 1 cup of water in the
blender and liquefy (the liquid will be quite thick and frothy). Depending on
the size of your pineapple, you might need to process in the blender in more
than one batch. NOTE: Use only enough water in the blender
to liquefy the fruit. Strain the pineapple liquid through a fine sieve or
strainer into your pitcher.
Add the remaining water to your pitcher and mix well. Taste and
adjust sugar if more is needed. Also add additional water if needed.
Chill in
the refrigerator for several hours before serving. Serve over ice.
Variation Ideas:
-
Agua de Melon - Use cantaloupe or any other melon
-
Agua de Sandie - Use watermelon - Check out
Watermelon Aqua Fresca recipe
-
Agua de Fresa - Use strawberries - Check out
Strawberry Agua Fresca
-
Agua de Papaya - Use papaya with the addition of some lime juice
-
Agua Fresca de Pepino - Use peeled, and seeded cucumbers with
the addition of lime juice.
