I can feel summer slipping through my fingers, and I want nothing more than to tighten my grip so it can’t slip away. I am NOT READY. Normally, I am a basic fall girl, but this year, fuggedaboutit. We deserve a longer than normal summer. DESERVE I tell you. We put up with 2020 and we have so far put up with 2021’s petty self and we need a longer summer, but alas, like every petty Peggy, she won’t listen.
So what are we to do if we want to milk every last drop of summer?
If you’re like me, you make Agua Frescas. These are basically liquid summer. Throw in some adult libations and it is fast approaching Mount Olympus territory. Agua Frescas are a staple in Mexican culture and date back to the Aztec empire (and possibly before). If you’ve ever had the privilege to travel to Mexico (and it has also spread to other parts of Latin America), then chances are you’ve seen the gorgeous cups of fruit water everywhere from roadside stands to high end restaurants. These cups of blended fruit, herbs, sweeteners, and delicate florals are the perfect “Gram” shot and the taste is even better.
Back in my home health days, I cared for a woman from Mexico and she always talked about her mom making Agua Frescas and how she missed them, so I happily made them for her and my love affair with them was born. She would have loved knowing that others were making her mother’s recipes and sharing in something she loved, so with her permission, here are some easy recipes.
Watermelon Agua Fresca
Ingredients:
-4 cups watermelon
-1 cup water
-2 Tablespoons sugar, or sweetener of choice like honey, agave, or sugar substitute
-Juice of 2 limes (or about 2-3 Tablespoons of store bought lime juice)
Directions: Blend all ingredients together. The key to a smooth drink is to strain the juice and discard any solids. Store in refrigerator until ready to drink and pour over ice to serve. **Try adding a shot of your favorite vodka or rum for an adult drink.**
Strawberry Limeade Agua Fresca
Ingredients:
-1 16oz container strawberries, green parts removed and reserve 4 strawberries for garnish
-Juice of 6 limes
-1 cup sugar, or sweetener of choice
Directions: Put ingredients in blender and fill the rest with water. Blend and pour into a 3 or 4 quart pitcher. Fill the rest of the pitcher with cold water and add remaining sliced strawberries. Check for sweetness and pour over ice to serve.
Pineapple Agua Fresca
Ingredients:
-4 cups of pineapple, cut into small chunks
-4 Tablespoons sugar or sweetener of choice
-4 cups cold water
Directions: Blend all ingredients together. The key to a smooth drink is to strain the juice and discard any solids. Store in refrigerator until ready to drink and pour over ice to serve. **Try adding a shot of your favorite vodka or rum for an adult drink.**
Peaches and Cream Agua Fresca
Ingredients:
-4 very ripe peaches
-1 can peaches, undrained ** optional, but it helps make it creamier
-1 can evaporated milk
-1 small can sweetened condensed milk
-1-2 Tablespoons sour cream (you can sub out with greek yogurt)
Directions: Blend all ingredients together until smooth. Pour into a 4 quart pitcher and fill up the rest with cold water. Check for sweetness and if needed add sugar. If it’s too sweet, add more water. Store in refrigerator until ready to drink and pour over ice to serve. **Try adding a shot of your favorite vodka or rum for an adult drink.**
There you have it. Summer in a cup. Make these, put them in a pretty glass and add some chopped up fruit for flair, put on some sunglasses and get outside in the sun. I do feel the need to add the following: make sure to have a fan or some ice packs because summer may be ending, but it’s still the South and therefore HOT AS ALL GET OUT. I hope you enjoy and as you’re drinking, thank Mrs. L for the recipes.
