Make Your Own Mango Agua Fresca for Summer

By Brandi Koskie for DietsInReview.com

If you’re a regular at your local Mexican restaurant or grocer, you’re probably familiar with the large jars of ague frescas perched on the counter. These are typically infused with fruit, herbs, or other flavor agents and offer a delicious and boldly flavored alternative to the sangria or Mexican beers. Spanish for “fresh waters,” agua frescas are a combination of blended fruits with water and a little sweetener for a refreshing beverage that complements any bowl of salsa, guacamole, or tacos.

Like anything else, we enjoy making our favorite restaurant finds at home. There’s really not much to these agua fresca recipes and you could truly make them anyway you like. We particularly enjoyed this Pineapple Agua Fresca recipe, with a bright, refreshing taste. But staying true to the beverage’s roots, this Mango Agua Fresca is particularly thirst-quenching, too!

The mango is sweet enough on its own, but if you’re wanting something a bit sweeter, just a pinch of a natural sweetener like honey, Truvia, or raw cane sugar will do the trick. Simply blend, strain, and stir and you’ve got a sippable summer treat with less than 100 calories, tempting color, and craveable flavor.

Mango Agua Fresca yields 4, 3/4 cup servings

Ingredients

2 mangos, cubed

3 cups water, divided

1/4 packet (~1/8 tsp) non-bitter stevia (or sub honey, sugar or Truvia)

Method

• Add mango cubes and 1 cup water to a blender and blend until well combined.
• Pour the mixture over a fine mesh strainer over a mixing bowl.
• Using a rubber spatula press the pulp down until all of the liquid has seeped through, being sure to knock and sweep the bottom to get every last drop.
• Transfer liquid to a large pitcher and add 1 – 2 cups more water (depending on preferred concentration).
• Add stevia or sweetener of choice and whisk.
• Taste and adjust flavor as needed.
• Chill and stir once more before serving.
• Alternatively, add ice cubes, garnish with lime and leftover mango and serve immediately!

Until now, you, the tacos, and the agua fresca had to rendez-vous at the restaurant. Homemade agua fresca makes this summer drink mobile. The beach, picnics, even birthday parties for the kids can include something far healthier than a soda, juice, or punch. Be sure to serve it along with some of our favorite healthier Mexican recipes, too!

Roasted Tomatillo and Pineapple Salsa

BBQ Chicken Tacos with Avocado Coleslaw

Photos and recipe by Dana Shultz/DietsInReview.com