One of my favorite local pizzerias, Harlow’s, offers not only fantastic wood-fired pizza but a rotating collection of freshly made agua frescas! More flavorful than fruit-infused seltzer but lighter than 100% juice, agua frescas are perfect for summertime sipping, especially on Harlow’s darling, retro-cool patio.
The last time I visited, I enjoyed them so much, I decided to try my hand at making my own. Turns out it’s super-easy, although I’ll need some practice to get mine as fantastic as theirs!
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Recipes don’t get easier than this! And don’t be afraid to tweak a bit to get your perfect combination. Some people prefer more water-forward, others more juice-forward agua frescas.
Whether you’re a fitness fanatic looking to add some oomph to your daily water intake or a social butterfly looking for a low-cal cocktail, agua frescas are the answer. To spike, add an ounce (or so…wink, wink) of your favorite white liquor – vodka, gin, and tequila all work well.
Watermelon Agua Fresca
- 6 cups chopped watermelon
- 1/2 cup filtered water
- 2 to 3 teaspoons fresh lime juice
- 1-3 tablespoons of sugar or honey
- watermelon slices and mint to garnish
Add fruit and water to a blender and blend until pureed. We have this blender and LOVE it! It’s as powerful as a Vitamix at a fraction of the cost. Take care not to overfill your blender. About 2/3 capacity is ideal. Work in batches if need be.
Strain the juice through a medium sieve. Taste and add lime juice and sweetener to your individual taste. This can vary a great deal based on the natural sweetness of the fruit as well as personal preference.
Chill well and serve over ice. Add a slice of watermelon, lime, and mint for garnish.
Peach Agua Fresca
- 3 cups roughly chopped peaches
- 5 cups filtered water
- 2 to 3 teaspoons fresh lime juice
- 1-3 tablespoons of sugar or honey
- peach slices and a sprig of basil to garnish
Follow the same instructions as above. I opted not to remove the skin from my peaches but did strain them through a sieve once blended. I used a peach slice for this garnish, a thin ring of jalapeno, and a sprig of basil. For extra flavor, muddle some basil and added it to individual glasses before serving. Muddling helps herbs infuse the juice.
Pineapple, cantaloupe, mango, and cucumber are fantastic other variations to try. Have fun playing around with some combos! And for the perfect pairing, check out this recipe for fresh and flavorful ceviche!
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