Dining with the Doc: Agua Fresca

I love summertime in New York City.  Relaxing in Central Park, going to outdoor concerts, dining al fresco at street cafes- what’s not to love?  But after a long, hot day of enjoying all that the city has to offer, I often find myself craving a refreshing, ice cold drink to quench my thirst. 

Agua fresca literally meaning “fresh water,” is the perfect thirst quencher.  It’s a popular cold drink sold by street vendors and restaurants all over Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.  It’s made of water mixed with seasonal fruit, cereals or seeds.  A little sugar and lime juice are usually added to the mix and then it’s refrigerated until it’s ice cold.  The consistency is thin, like water infused with fruit, not thick like a smoothie. 

The great thing about aguas frescas is that you can make so many different varieties- try experimenting with any type of fruit that purees well like melons, pineapple and berries.  Here are recipes for two of my favorite flavors- mango and watermelon.  You’ll notice that the proportions are slightly different because the mango puree is much thicker and requires more water to achieve the right consistency. Although aguas frescas are usually strained to remove any fruit pulp, I skipped this step for the sake of simplicity and I still loved the end result.  However, for you purists out there, go ahead and strain the mixture before serving.  The amount of sweetener you use will depend on the sweetness of the fruit so start with a little and add more to taste.  I prefer mine with only a small amount of sweetener so that the natural flavor of the fruit can shine through.

Try serving your favorite agua fresca at your next party- you can even spike it with a little vodka or champagne for an adult version.  Or keep a pitcher of it in the fridge so that you'll have a nutritious and refreshing thirst quencher anytime you want it.  It’s the perfect antidote for the summer heat! 

Mango Agua Fresca

Makes 8 servings

4 cups cubed mango (about 2 large mangos)

6 cups water, divided

2 tablespoons agave nectar, honey, sugar or other sweetener of your choice

2 tablespoons lime juice

Place the mango in a blender with 1 cup water, the agave nectar and lime juice.  Puree until smooth.  Pour the mixture into a pitcher and add the remaining 5 cups water.  Stir to combine.  Refrigerate until cold.  Serve over ice. 

One serving: Calories 65; Fat 0.3g; (Sat 0.1g); Protein 0.7g; Carb 16.7g; Fiber 1.3g

Watermelon Agua Fresca

Makes 6 servings

4 cups cubed watermelon

4 cups water, divided

2 tablespoons agave nectar, honey, sugar or other sweetener of your choice

2 tablespoons lime juice

Place the watermelon in a blender with 1 cup water, the agave nectar and lime juice.  Puree until smooth.  Pour the mixture into a pitcher and add the remaining 3 cups water.  Stir to combine.  Refrigerate until cold.  Serve over ice. 

One serving: Calories 52; Fat 0.2g; (Sat 0g); Protein 0.6g; Carb 13.4g; Fiber 0.4g

What's your favorite summertime beverage?  Leave a comment and let me know!