Description
This Refreshing Mango Strawberry Agua Fresca is a vibrant and hydrating summer beverage combining the natural sweetness of ripe mangoes and fresh strawberries with a hint of lime and optional sweetener. Perfectly smooth and served chilled over ice, this fruity agua fresca is an easy-to-make, naturally flavorful drink to cool you down on warm days.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits
- 2 ripe mangoes (Ataulfo or Alphonso recommended)
- 2 cups fresh strawberries
- Juice of 1 fresh lime
Liquid
- 4 cups filtered water (divided)
Optional
- Agave nectar or simple syrup (to taste)
- Pinch of fine sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare the strawberries: Rinse the strawberries under cool water thoroughly, then hull them by removing the green leafy tops to ensure only the sweet fruit is used.
- Prepare the mangoes: Peel the mangoes carefully with a vegetable peeler or sharp knife. Slice the flesh away from the pit and dice it into roughly 1-inch chunks for easier blending.
- Add fruit to blender: Transfer the prepared mango and strawberry chunks into a high-speed blender to start the blending process.
- Add liquids and flavorings: Pour in about half of the filtered water, add your preferred sweetener if using, the fresh lime juice, and optionally a pinch of fine sea salt to enhance flavor balance.
- Blend until smooth: Secure the blender lid and blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth with no visible fruit chunks remaining.
- Strain the mixture: Place a fine-mesh sieve over a large pitcher or bowl; carefully pour the blended fruit mixture through the sieve to remove pulp and seeds.
- Extract as much juice as possible: Use the back of a spoon or rubber spatula to press down on the solids in the sieve to extract maximum liquid. Discard the remaining pulp and seeds.
- Taste test and adjust: Stir the strained agua fresca well and pour a small amount into a glass. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity by adding more sweetener or lime juice as desired.
- Dilute to desired consistency: Gradually stir in the remaining filtered water until the perfect consistency and flavor balance is achieved.
- Chill the drink: Transfer the agua fresca to a serving pitcher and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill thoroughly.
- Serve over ice: When ready, fill glasses with plenty of ice cubes and pour the chilled Mango Strawberry Agua Fresca over the ice.
- Garnish and enjoy: Garnish each glass with a fresh strawberry slice, a mango cube, or a sprig of mint or basil for an attractive presentation and enhanced aroma.
Notes
- For a smoother drink, use a high-speed blender to break down fruit thoroughly.
- The optional pinch of sea salt helps to enhance the fruit flavors and balance sweetness.
- Adjust sweetness based on the ripeness of the fruit or your personal preference; the drink is naturally sweetened by the mango and strawberries.
- Chill the agua fresca for at least 30 minutes before serving to maximize refreshment.
- Garnishes like mint or basil add a fresh herbal note and improve visual appeal.
