Aguas Frescas

Aguas frescas, drinks made from fresh fruit, water, and sugar, are hugely popular in Mexico. There is some confusion in terms internationally between these aguas frescas and bottled soft drinks. In Guatemala and Nicaragua, these are referred to as frescos, short for refresco, which in Mexico means soft drinks. Soft drinks in Guatemala are called aguas, short for aguas gaseosas, but easily confused with the Mexican aguas frescas.

The terminology may be confusing, but aguas frescas are easy to make and are delicious. This is an easy recipe which you can insert any fruit into. Some of my favorite fruits in aguas frescas are watermelon, cantaloupe, strawberries, cucumbers, and mangos, but the one pictured is with honeydew melon. Also add the sugar slowly as some fruits will be sweeter and not need as much. A splash of lime always livens things up too. 

Ingredients:

• 6 cups fresh fruit, cut into chunks, seeds and skin removed if necessary
• 3 cups water
• 1/4-1/2 cup sugar
• juice of a lime

1. Place the fruit and water in a blender and puree until smooth. You can strain the juice if necessary, but I usually don't mind it with some pulp.
2. Add sugar and lime, small amounts at a time until you have desired flavor. 
3. Serve over ice and enjoy.