Photo
courtesy of Cooking Light website.
Enjoy the
essence of the sweet summer strawberries in this refreshing drink. Fresh fruit
drinks are very popular all over Mexico and are served from large barrel-shaped
glass containers. Agua Fresca or Aguas de Frutas - literally translated in Spanish as "fresh water" or "fruit waters."
These wonderful drinks are light-bodied and very refreshing fruit drinks made
from whatever fruit is in season combined with sweetener (traditionally sugar)
and water.
A very refreshing and cooling summer drink and a refreshing alternative to iced tea or lemonade.
Check out more of Linda's
Beverage Recipes
and this
Basic Simple Syrup Recipe for sweetening your favorite drinks.
Strawberry Agua Fresca Recipe
Recipe Type:
Beverage,
Strawberries
Yields: 8 cups
Prep time: 5 min
Ingredients:
4 cups ripe
strawberries
,
hulled and sliced
1 cup granulated
sugar*
8 cups water, divided
Ice cubes or crushed ice (optional)
*
The amount of sweetener needed will vary depending
on the sweetness of the fruit you are using. Some may not require any at all.
Sugar substitutes may be used to reduce calories further.
Preparation:
In a large bowl, place the
strawberries, sugar, and one (1) cup of water. Mash the strawberries slightly
and mix well. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator to macerate
for approximately 4 hours.
After macerating the
strawberries, remove strawberry mixture from the refrigerator and place in a
blender. Process the strawberry mixture until liquified and smooth. Pour the
strawberry liquid through a wire mesh strainer set over a large bowl; strain the
mixture, discarding the pulp and seeds. Add the remaining 7 cups of water and
mix well.
NOTE:
Traditionally an authentic aqua frescas are made
without blenders and done by simply mashing the fruit with a fork or masher
before adding the water and sweetener.
Chill at least 30 minutes (several hours are
better) before serving. Serve with or without ice cubes. As a
decorative touch, add slices or chunks of strawberries just before serving.
Makes 8 cups.
