Strawberry Agua Fresca for Easy Summer Parties
Strawberry agua fresca is one of the easiest ways to turn ripe berries into a cold pitcher drink that feels special at a summer party—bright, not overly sweet, and full of real strawberry flavor.
Equipment
- Blender
- Fine-mesh sieve
- Large bowl or pitcher
- Spoon or spatula
Ingredients
For the strawberry agua fresca
- 600 g fresh strawberries hulled (about 4 cups halved)
- 720 ml cold water divided
- 50–75 g granulated sugar to taste
- 45 ml fresh lime juice (from about 1–2 limes)
- 1/8 tsp fine sea salt
Optional flavor boosts and garnishes
- 6–8 fresh mint leaves or 4 fresh basil leaves; plus extra sprigs for garnish
- additional cold water or ice as needed to adjust strength
- extra sliced strawberries and lime wheels for serving
Instructions
- Prep the strawberries. Rinse the strawberries under cool running water, then drain well. Hull them by cutting out the green tops and any very white cores, and halve or quarter larger berries so they blend evenly.
- Start the first blend. Add the prepared strawberries to a blender with 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) of the water, 1/4 cup (50 g) sugar, 3 Tbsp lime juice, and the salt. If using mint or basil, add the leaves now.
- Blend until completely smooth. Blend on high for 45–60 seconds, or until the mixture looks uniformly pink and you no longer see obvious pieces of fruit or herbs. If your blender struggles or the mixture isn’t circulating, pause and add a splash more water (1–2 Tbsp at a time) rather than pushing with a utensil while the blades are running.
- Taste the base before straining. Turn off the blender and carefully taste a spoonful. It should be sweeter and more intense than you want in the glass, because you’ll dilute it with more water and serve it over ice. If it tastes flat, add another 1–2 Tbsp sugar and blend briefly.
- Strain for a smoother drink (optional but recommended for parties). Set a fine-mesh sieve over a large bowl or pitcher. Pour the blended mixture through the sieve, using a spoon or spatula to gently stir and press so the liquid passes through. Discard most of the seeds and pulp left behind, or save a spoonful or two if you prefer a little texture.
- Adjust with more water. Stir in the remaining 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) cold water. Taste again. If it’s too strong, add extra cold water 2–4 Tbsp at a time, tasting between additions. If it feels weak, stir in another spoonful of sugar and a squeeze of lime, letting it dissolve fully.
- Chill thoroughly. Cover the pitcher and chill the agua fresca in the refrigerator for at least 1–2 hours, or up to 24 hours.
- Prepare glasses and garnish. Just before serving, fill glasses with ice cubes. If you like, tuck a few thin strawberry slices or a lime wheel against the inside of each glass and add a small mint or basil sprig.
- Stir and serve. Give the pitcher a thorough stir, as some of the strawberry solids naturally settle at the bottom. Pour over the ice and garnish. Serve immediately while very cold.
Nutrition
Calories: 95kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 1gFat: 0.3gSodium: 70mgPotassium: 220mgFiber: 2.5gSugar: 19gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 85mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.6mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
