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This strawberry agua fresca delivers the ultimate refreshment on hot summer days with just a handful of ingredients. The natural sweetness of fresh strawberries combined with water creates a light, hydrating beverage that's both beautiful and delicious.
I first made this drink for my daughter's birthday party in July when temperatures hit 95 degrees. The pitcher emptied within minutes and guests kept asking for the recipe, amazed it contained so few ingredients.
Ingredients
- Fresh strawberries: Rich in vitamin C and natural sweetness, choose bright red berries with no white shoulders for best flavor
- Water: The base that dilutes the strawberry puree, filtered water works best for clean flavor
- Kosher salt: Enhances the natural strawberry flavor, just a tiny pinch is all you need
- Stevia: Optional natural sweetener, perfect if your strawberries aren't at peak sweetness
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Wash strawberries thoroughly under cool running water, then remove the green stems. Pat them dry with a paper towel to prevent diluting the flavor further.
- Blend Everything Together:
- Add strawberries, water, salt, and sweetener (if using) to your blender. Start on low speed then gradually increase to high power until the mixture becomes completely smooth, about 30-45 seconds.
- Strain If Desired:
- For a smoother texture, pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer to remove seeds and pulp. Use the back of a spoon to press gently and extract maximum flavor from the pulp.
- Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to develop. Pour over ice in tall glasses and garnish with fresh strawberry slices or mint leaves if desired.
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My absolute favorite thing about this agua fresca is how it showcases the pure essence of strawberries. My grandfather grew strawberries in his garden, and this simple drink always transports me back to childhood summers spent picking berries with him at dawn when they were perfectly ripe and still cool from the night air.
Make It Your Own
This basic recipe serves as a wonderful template for creative variations. Try adding a squeeze of lime juice for brightness, or muddle in fresh mint leaves before blending for an herbaceous twist. For special occasions, you can even add a splash of sparkling water just before serving for a festive effervescence that delights both children and adults alike.
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Storage Recommendations
Strawberry agua fresca stays fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Natural separation will occur as it sits, simply stir or shake gently before serving. I recommend making this in small batches rather than storing for extended periods to maintain the vibrant flavor profile and beautiful color that makes this drink so appealing.
Nutritional Benefits
Beyond being delicious, this simple beverage offers impressive health advantages. Strawberries contain powerful antioxidants called polyphenols that help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. This drink provides excellent hydration while delivering vitamin C, manganese, folate, and potassium. By controlling the sweetener yourself, you eliminate the excessive sugars found in commercial beverages while still enjoying a satisfying treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How long does strawberry agua fresca stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, strawberry agua fresca will stay fresh for 2-3 days. The flavor is best on the first day, so it's recommended to consume it soon after making.
- → Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen strawberries work well for agua fresca. You don't even need to thaw them first - simply blend them with the other ingredients. Frozen berries may create a slightly thicker consistency initially, which will thin as it melts.
- → What can I use instead of Stevia?
You can substitute Stevia with honey, agave nectar, simple syrup, or regular sugar to taste. Each sweetener will add its own subtle flavor profile to the drink. You can also omit sweetener entirely if your strawberries are particularly sweet.
- → Why add salt to a fruit drink?
A small pinch of salt actually enhances the sweetness and flavor of the strawberries without making the drink taste salty. It works as a flavor enhancer, similar to how it functions in baking.
- → Can I strain the agua fresca for a smoother texture?
Yes, for a smoother, pulp-free drink, you can strain the blended mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth. This creates a clearer, more refined beverage, though you'll lose some of the fiber benefits.
- → What variations can I make to this drink?
Try adding lime juice for brightness, mint leaves for freshness, or combining strawberries with other fruits like watermelon or cucumber. You can also add a splash of sparkling water just before serving for a fizzy version.