15 Best Aguas Frescas to Make at Home This Summer (With Easy Recipes)

Aguas frescas are simple, fresh fruit drinks popular in Mexico and Central America. They’re made with fruit, water, sugar, and sometimes lime. They’re cold, sweet, and perfect for hot days. No special skills needed. Just a blender, strainer, and a few ingredients.

These drinks are everywhere in Mexico. Street vendors sell them in big glass jars called vitroleros. You’ll find them at taco stands, markets, family gatherings, and restaurants. They’re cheap to make, full of flavor, and easy to customize. You can keep them basic with just fruit and water or tweak them with herbs, spices, or citrus.

The name “agua fresca” means “fresh water.” But they’re more than just flavored water. They sit somewhere between juice and infused water. Unlike store-bought juices, aguas frescas aren’t concentrated or loaded with additives. They highlight the natural taste of fresh ingredients. That’s why the fruit you use matters. Ripe, in-season fruit gives the best results.

Aguas frescas aren’t just for people who like sweet drinks. They can be tart, tangy, or even slightly bitter depending on what you use. Some of the most popular ones, like hibiscus (jamaica) or tamarind (tamarindo), have a deeper flavor that balances sweetness with a little bite. Others like cucumber or lime are light and refreshing. They go down easy when it’s hot outside.

These drinks are also a great way to use fruit that’s getting too soft or overripe. Instead of tossing it, you can blend it up into a drink. It’s a practical way to cut down on waste. And if you have picky eaters at home, aguas frescas are an easy way to get more fruit into their day.

They’re also simple to scale. Making a big batch for a party? Double or triple the recipe. Need something quick for just one or two people? Cut the recipe down and blend straight into a glass. You don’t need fancy gear. A regular blender, a strainer, and a pitcher will do.

Another plus: they’re customizable. Don’t like things too sweet? Use less sugar or skip it. Like a little zip? Add extra lime. Want a creamy texture? Try blending in some milk or a splash of coconut water. You can also mix fruits together. Watermelon and strawberry, mango and pineapple, guava and lime—there’s no wrong combo.

If you want to make them ahead, most will keep in the fridge for up to three days. Just give them a stir before serving. Some, like horchata or banana agua, might thicken a bit over time. That’s normal. Add a splash of water and stir to loosen them up.

One thing to watch out for: straining. Some fruits, like watermelon or cucumber, don’t have much pulp and go through a strainer easily. Others, like guava or mango, can be thicker. A fine mesh strainer works well. You can also use cheesecloth if you want a super-smooth texture.

Some recipes don’t even need straining. Limeade and orange agua are just juice, water, and sugar stirred together. Hibiscus and tamarind get boiled first, so they’re more like tea. The rest are raw blends. In all cases, the method is pretty much the same: blend, strain (if needed), chill, serve.

Nutritionally, they’re a better option than soda. Most are under 100 calories per cup and contain vitamins and fiber from the fruit. You control the sugar, and there’s no corn syrup or preservatives. They’re hydrating too. On hot days, they hit the spot better than plain water.

So if you’re looking for a way to beat the heat, use up fresh produce, and keep things simple, aguas frescas are a good option. You don’t need to be a chef. You just need a few ingredients and ten minutes. Below are 15 of the most popular recipes. All of them are easy to make, use everyday tools, and come with clear measurements in both US and metric units. Try one, or try them all.

These drinks are light, fruity, and simple to make. Most need just fruit, water, a bit of sugar, and a blender. Here are 15 popular aguas frescas you can make at home. Each comes with a recipe and basic info to get started.

1. Agua de Sandía (Watermelon)

Watermelon is about 90% water, so it blends perfectly for a drink. Sweet and refreshing.

Equipment — Blender, fine strainer (optional)

Prep Time — 10 minutes

Ingredient	US Amount	Metric Amount
Watermelon (cubed, seedless)	4 cups	600 g
Water	2 cups	480 ml
Lime juice	2 tbsp	30 ml
Sugar (optional)	2 tbsp	25 g

Instructions —

1. Blend watermelon with water until smooth.
2. Add lime juice and sugar. Blend again.
3. Strain if you want it smoother.
4. Serve cold over ice.

Nutrition (per 8 oz) — ~70 calories, 18g carbs, 0g fat, 1g protein

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2. Agua de Horchata (Rice and Cinnamon)

This one’s creamy and sweet with cinnamon flavor. It takes longer but it’s worth it.

Equipment — Blender, bowl, strainer

Prep Time — 10 min (+4 hours soak)

Ingredient	US Amount	Metric Amount
Long-grain rice	1 cup	200 g
Water (for soaking)	2 cups	480 ml
Water (for blending)	2 cups	480 ml
Cinnamon stick	1	1
Sugar	1/2 cup	100 g
Vanilla extract	1 tsp	5 ml

Instructions —

1. Soak rice and cinnamon stick in 2 cups water for 4 hours or overnight.
2. Blend soaked mixture with remaining water.
3. Strain well.
4. Stir in sugar and vanilla.
5. Chill and serve.

Nutrition (per 8 oz) — ~120 calories, 28g carbs, 0g fat, 1g protein

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3. Agua de Piña (Pineapple)

Tart and sweet. Great for digestion too.

Equipment — Blender, strainer (optional)

Prep Time — 10 minutes

Ingredient	US Amount	Metric Amount
Pineapple (peeled, chopped)	3 cups	500 g
Water	3 cups	720 ml
Sugar (optional)	2 tbsp	25 g
Lime juice	1 tbsp	15 ml

Instructions —

1. Blend pineapple and water until smooth.
2. Add sugar and lime juice. Blend again.
3. Strain if you want.
4. Serve cold.

Nutrition (per 8 oz) — ~80 calories, 21g carbs, 0g fat, 1g protein

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4. Agua de Pepino (Cucumber)

Light, clean, and cooling. Works well with mint.

Equipment — Blender, strainer (optional)

Prep Time — 10 minutes

Ingredient	US Amount	Metric Amount
Cucumber (peeled, sliced)	2 cups	300 g
Water	2 cups	480 ml
Lime juice	2 tbsp	30 ml
Mint leaves	5-6	5-6
Sugar	1 tbsp	13 g

Instructions —

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth.
2. Strain if you prefer.
3. Serve over ice.

Nutrition (per 8 oz) — ~35 calories, 9g carbs, 0g fat, 1g protein

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5. Agua de Jamaica (Hibiscus)

Made from dried hibiscus flowers. Tart, deep red, and full of antioxidants.

Equipment — Pot, strainer

Prep Time — 20 minutes

Ingredient	US Amount	Metric Amount
Dried hibiscus petals	1 cup	25 g
Water	4 cups	960 ml
Sugar	1/2 cup	100 g

Instructions —

1. Boil hibiscus petals in water for 10 minutes.
2. Let cool, then strain.
3. Stir in sugar.
4. Chill and serve.

Nutrition (per 8 oz) — ~90 calories, 22g carbs, 0g fat, 0g protein

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6. Agua de Melón (Cantaloupe)

Sweet and mellow. Blends smooth and needs little sugar.

Equipment — Blender, strainer (optional)

Prep Time — 10 minutes

Ingredient	US Amount	Metric Amount
Cantaloupe (cubed)	3 cups	500 g
Water	2 cups	480 ml
Sugar	2 tbsp	25 g
Lime juice	1 tbsp	15 ml

Instructions —

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth.
2. Strain if you like.
3. Serve cold.

Nutrition (per 8 oz) — ~65 calories, 16g carbs, 0g fat, 1g protein

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7. Agua de Fresa (Strawberry)

Bright, sweet, and fruity. A classic.

Equipment — Blender, strainer

Prep Time — 10 minutes

Ingredient	US Amount	Metric Amount
Strawberries (hulled)	2 cups	300 g
Water	2 cups	480 ml
Sugar	2 tbsp	25 g
Lime juice	1 tbsp	15 ml

Instructions —

1. Blend everything.
2. Strain.
3. Chill and serve.

Nutrition (per 8 oz) — ~60 calories, 15g carbs, 0g fat, 1g protein

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8. Agua de Mango

Thick, sweet, tropical. Use ripe mangoes.

Equipment — Blender, strainer (optional)

Prep Time — 10 minutes

Ingredient	US Amount	Metric Amount
Mango (peeled, chopped)	2 cups	400 g
Water	2 cups	480 ml
Sugar	2 tbsp	25 g
Lime juice	1 tbsp	15 ml

Instructions —

1. Blend all ingredients.
2. Strain if needed.
3. Serve over ice.

Nutrition (per 8 oz) — ~80 calories, 20g carbs, 0g fat, 1g protein

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9. Agua de Tamarindo (Tamarind)

Sweet, tangy, and rich. Takes more prep, but worth it.

Equipment — Pot, strainer

Prep Time — 30 minutes

Ingredient	US Amount	Metric Amount
Tamarind pods (peeled)	1 cup	150 g
Water	4 cups	960 ml
Sugar	1/2 cup	100 g

Instructions —

1. Simmer tamarind in 2 cups water for 15 min.
2. Let cool. Remove seeds and pulp.
3. Add remaining water, sugar. Mix.
4. Strain and chill.

Nutrition (per 8 oz) — ~100 calories, 25g carbs, 0g fat, 1g protein

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10. Agua de Guayaba (Guava)

Tropical and fragrant. Use ripe guavas.

Equipment — Blender, strainer

Prep Time — 10 minutes

Ingredient	US Amount	Metric Amount
Guava (chopped)	2 cups	400 g
Water	2 cups	480 ml
Sugar	2 tbsp	25 g

Instructions —

1. Blend guava with water.
2. Strain.
3. Add sugar and mix.
4. Serve cold.

Nutrition (per 8 oz) — ~85 calories, 20g carbs, 1g fat, 1g protein

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11. Agua de Naranja (Orange)

Simple, citrusy, and easy to make.

Equipment — Juicer or squeezer

Prep Time — 5 minutes

Ingredient	US Amount	Metric Amount
Orange juice (fresh)	2 cups	480 ml
Water	1 cup	240 ml
Sugar (optional)	1 tbsp	13 g

Instructions —

1. Mix orange juice with water.
2. Stir in sugar if using.
3. Serve over ice.

Nutrition (per 8 oz) — ~90 calories, 21g carbs, 0g fat, 1g protein

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12. Agua de Limón con Chía (Lime with Chia Seeds)

Tart, hydrating, and full of fiber.

Equipment — Blender (optional), spoon

Prep Time — 10 minutes

Ingredient	US Amount	Metric Amount
Lime juice	1/2 cup	120 ml
Water	3 cups	720 ml
Chia seeds	2 tbsp	30 g
Sugar	3 tbsp	38 g

Instructions —

1. Mix all ingredients.
2. Let chia soak for 10 min.
3. Stir again and serve cold.

Nutrition (per 8 oz) — ~80 calories, 18g carbs, 3g fat, 2g protein

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13. Agua de Coco y Pepino (Coconut Water & Cucumber)

Very hydrating. Not too sweet.

Equipment — Blender, strainer (optional)

Prep Time — 10 minutes

Ingredient	US Amount	Metric Amount
Cucumber (sliced)	1 cup	150 g
Coconut water	2 cups	480 ml
Lime juice	1 tbsp	15 ml
Mint leaves (optional)	5-6	5-6

Instructions —

1. Blend cucumber with coconut water.
2. Add lime and mint. Stir.
3. Serve chilled.

Nutrition (per 8 oz) — ~45 calories, 10g carbs, 0g fat, 1g protein

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14. Agua de Ciruela (Plum)

Sweet with a little tang. Best when plums are very ripe.

Equipment — Blender, strainer

Prep Time — 10 minutes

Ingredient	US Amount	Metric Amount
Plums (pitted)	2 cups	400 g
Water	2 cups	480 ml
Sugar	2 tbsp	25 g

Instructions —

1. Blend plums and water.
2. Strain.
3. Add sugar and stir.
4. Chill and serve.

Nutrition (per 8 oz) — ~70 calories, 17g carbs, 0g fat, 1g protein

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15. Agua de Zarzamora (Blackberry)

Deep color, rich flavor. Can be tart without sugar.

Equipment — Blender, strainer

Prep Time — 10 minutes

Ingredient	US Amount	Metric Amount
Blackberries	2 cups	300 g
Water	2 cups	480 ml
Sugar	2 tbsp	25 g
Lime juice	1 tbsp	15 ml

Instructions —

1. Blend berries, water, sugar, and lime.
2. Strain.
3. Serve cold.

Nutrition (per 8 oz) — ~60 calories, 15g carbs, 0g fat, 1g protein

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These 15 aguas frescas are simple, flexible, and perfect for summer. Mix and match fruits, adjust sugar to taste, and try adding herbs like mint or basil. No need to overthink it. Just blend, chill, and enjoy.