Esperanza's Agua Fresca: 5 gorgeous recipes for Cinco de Mayo!

Agua fresca is Spanish for “fresh water”. These drinks are especially popular in Mexico, and are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals while being wonderfully refreshing. Even better, they are really quick and easy to make- all you need is ripe fruit, sugar, water and a blender!

This beautiful drink is extremely adaptable and comes in any flavor you care to make. I've collected a few of my favourites here for you to try, but if you have any other ideas of your own please do let me know in the comments!

Agua fresca is traditionally non-alcoholic (as fans of The Musician's Promise Series will remember, Esperanza makes some in an attempt to steer Don Raúl away from the wine)... but if you want to add a cheeky splash of vodka, tequila or rum, I won't tell anyone!

Have fun!

Cantaloupe Agua Fresca

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups water

• 3 slices cantaloupe, peeled and seeded

• 5 tablespoons white sugar

• 1 cup ice cubes

1. Place water, cantaloupe and sugar in a blender; blend until smooth.

2. Divide ice into two glasses and pour cantaloupe mixture over ice.

Tip: Try adding a little vanilla extract... it's perfection!

Watermelon Lime Agua Fresca

Ingredients:

• 8 cups water, divided

• 5 cups peeled, cubed, and seeded watermelon

• ½ cup white sugar, or more to taste

• ⅓ cup lime juice, or more to taste

1. Combine 1 cup water, watermelon, and sugar in a blender; process until smooth. Pour into a large pitcher.

2. Stir in lime juice and remaining 7 cups water.

3. Adjust sugar or lime juice to taste.

4. Refrigerate until chilled (about 1 hour)

5. Serve over ice.

Tip: Try switching the sugar for some agave nectar!

Strawberry Agua Fresca

Ingredients:

• 4 cups strawberries, sliced

• 1 cup white sugar

• 8 cups cold water

• 1 lime, cut into 8 wedges

• 8 fresh mint sprigs

1. In a medium bowl, mix together sliced strawberries, sugar, and 1 cup of water. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for 4 hours.

2. Remove the strawberry mixture from the refrigerator and pour into a blender. Blend on high until smooth. Pour the blended berry mixture through a wire mesh strainer set over a large mixing bowl; discard the pulp and seeds.

3. Add the remaining 7 cups cold water to the pureed strawberries and mix well. Place the Aqua de Fresa in the refrigerator to chill for several hours or pour over ice and serve immediately. Garnish with lime slices or mint leaves.

Pineapple Agua Fresca

Ingredients:

• 1 pineapple

• 4-6 cups water (divided)

• ½ cup sugar

1. Chop the pineapple into pieces, removing the core.

2. Add the pineapple and 1 cup of water to a blender.

3. Blend until smooth.

4. Strain the pineapple mixture.

5. Add the strained pineapple mixture to a large pitcher.

6. Add the remaining water and sugar to the pitcher.

7. Mix until combined.

8. Serve in a glass over ice and enjoy!

Banana Agua Fresca

Ingredients:

• 2 bananas ripe

• 1 can evaporated milk

• 3 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 3 cups water

1. Blend together the bananas, evaporated milk, condensed milk, cinnamon, and vanilla. Set side.

2. To a large pitcher, add 3 cups of water and banana mixture.

3. Stir to combine.

4. Add more water to decrease sweetness if desired.

5. Pour over ice and garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.

Tip: Try blending some pineapple in with it too... it's beautiful!

Do you have any more recommendations you'd like to share? Post them in the comments below!