Creamy Strawberry Agua Fresca: Your Ultimate Dairy-Free Recipe for a Refreshing Mexican Drink

Beat the heat with this delightful Creamy Strawberry Agua Fresca, a dairy-free rendition of Mexico’s beloved refreshing drink. This simple recipe brings together only 4 wholesome ingredients, primarily fresh, ripe strawberries, to create a sweet, incredibly smooth, and wonderfully frothy agua de fresa that’s perfect for any occasion.

As the warm weather graces us, so does the craving for deliciously cool and invigorating beverages. Among my absolute favorites are the refreshing Mexican aguas frescas, such as Agua de Sandia (Watermelon Agua Fresca), Pineapple Agua Fresca, and Cucumber Lime Agua Fresca. These traditional fruit-infused waters are staples during hotter months, offering a delightful escape from the heat.

Today’s featured recipe holds a special place in my heart. This creamy strawberry version of agua fresca is not only inherently sweet and incredibly cooling but boasts a luxurious, velvety texture that elevates the entire drinking experience. What makes it even better is its versatility – it can be effortlessly customized to suit your dietary preferences and taste desires, ensuring everyone can enjoy a glass of this refreshing delight.

What Exactly are Aguas Frescas?

The term “aguas frescas” directly translates to “fresh waters,” a name that perfectly encapsulates their essence. These ubiquitous drinks are a cornerstone of Mexican culinary culture, found everywhere from bustling street food stalls to family dinner tables. At their core, aguas frescas consist of fresh ingredients – most commonly fruits, but also cereals, flowers, or seeds – blended with water and a touch of sugar to create a light, vibrant, and immensely thirst-quenching juice-like beverage.

Strawberry agua fresca, or “agua de fresa” in Spanish, is a particularly popular variety. Like its counterparts, it can be savored year-round, but it truly shines during the warmer months when strawberries are in peak season, bursting with natural sweetness and flavor. They serve as a fantastic and healthy way to cool down, offering a delicious alternative to sugary sodas and artificial drinks. Each sip provides a burst of fresh fruit flavor, making them an indispensable part of summer refreshments.

Why This Creamy Strawberry Agua Fresca Will Become Your Favorite

This creamy strawberry agua fresca recipe is more than just a drink; it’s a delightful experience packed with numerous benefits:

• Effortless and Minimal Ingredients: You’ll be amazed at how easily this agua fresca comes together. Requiring just 4 simple ingredients, most of which you likely already have on hand, it’s perfect for a spontaneous treat or a quick refreshment. The straightforward process means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your delicious drink.
• Wholesome and Natural Goodness: We prioritize fresh, good-for-you ingredients in this recipe. Ripe strawberries are packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, making this a much healthier option than many commercially produced sugary beverages. You can feel good about what you’re drinking and serving to your loved ones.
• Irresistibly Creamy Texture: What sets this recipe apart is its unique creamy consistency. After a thorough blend, you’ll achieve a drink that’s not only smooth but also wonderfully frothy and luxurious. This velvety mouthfeel adds an extra layer of indulgence, transforming a simple fruit drink into something truly special and satisfying.
• Perfectly Dairy-Free: Traditional creamy agua de fresa often incorporates evaporated milk for its signature richness. However, this recipe brilliantly achieves that desired creamy consistency using a dairy-free creamer (like Nutpods or full-fat coconut milk). This makes it an excellent choice for those with lactose intolerance, dairy allergies, or anyone following a plant-based diet, without compromising on flavor or texture.
• Highly Customizable to Your Taste: Your drink, your rules! This recipe is incredibly versatile. Whether you prefer it sweeter, less sweet, extra creamy, or with a hint of spice, you can easily adjust it. Options for both dairy and dairy-free alternatives, as well as various sweeteners, are provided, allowing you to tailor this agua fresca perfectly to your preferences.

For more delightful and refreshing strawberry-infused beverages, be sure to explore our classic Agua de Fresa (Traditional Strawberry Agua Fresca) or the zesty Limonada de Fresa (Strawberry Limeade).

Essential Ingredients for Your Creamy Strawberry Agua Fresca

Crafting this delicious creamy strawberry agua fresca requires just a few key ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and refreshing flavor:

• Fresh Strawberries: The star of our show! The quality of your strawberries profoundly impacts the final taste. Opt for truly ripe strawberries as they naturally yield the sweetest, most intense flavor, minimizing the need for excessive added sweeteners. Look for vibrant red berries. Consult our “How to Choose Ripe Strawberries” section below for expert tips on selection.
• Sweetener: While ripe strawberries offer natural sweetness, a touch of added sweetener enhances and balances the flavors. I prefer to use unrefined sugars like monk fruit sweetener, honey, coconut sugar, or agave nectar. These options are generally less processed and retain more natural minerals. However, feel free to use classic white granulated sugar if that’s your preference. Adjust the quantity to your personal taste.
• Dairy-Free Creamer: This is the secret to our luscious creamy texture without any dairy! My go-to is Nutpods, a fantastic dairy-free creamer crafted from a blend of almonds and coconut cream. The original Nutpods flavor adds a rich, silky smoothness that perfectly mimics traditional dairy creamers. If Nutpods aren’t available, full-fat canned coconut milk (the kind used for cooking, not the beverage type) makes an excellent substitute, providing a similar rich and creamy consistency.
• Cold Water: For the purest taste and optimal refreshment, I always recommend using filtered, cold water. Starting with cold water is crucial because it reduces the need for large amounts of ice, which can dilute your agua fresca. It also helps the drink chill faster in the refrigerator, allowing you to enjoy it sooner.
• Ground Cinnamon (optional): A small dash of ground cinnamon can add an unexpected layer of warmth and complexity. It beautifully complements the sweetness of the strawberries, giving the agua fresca a subtle, aromatic depth. It’s an optional addition, but highly recommended for those who enjoy a little extra flavor dimension.

Refer to the recipe card below for exact quantities.

Flexible Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable! Here are some ways to customize it based on your dietary needs and flavor preferences:

• **Dairy Options:** If dairy is not a concern for you and you prefer a traditional creamy texture, you can readily use evaporated milk in place of the Nutpods or coconut milk. This will give you a very authentic Mexican creamy agua fresca.
• **Sweetened Condensed Milk Twist:** For a richer, sweeter dairy version, you can skip the separate sweetener altogether and use sweetened condensed milk. Start with about ¼ cup and blend, then taste and add more gradually until you reach your desired level of sweetness and creaminess.
• **Extra Creamy with Coconut Cream:** To achieve an even thicker, more decadent creamy result, consider using pure coconut cream instead of Nutpods or regular full-fat coconut milk. Just be aware that coconut cream is much thicker, so you might need to add a bit more cold water to reach your preferred drinking consistency.
• **Flavored Creamer:** Nutpods offers a variety of flavors. Their French vanilla flavor, for example, pairs exceptionally well with strawberries, adding a subtle gourmet touch to your agua fresca. Don’t hesitate to experiment with other complementary flavors if you’re feeling adventurous!
• **Alternative Sweeteners:** Beyond honey or agave, you can use maple syrup, stevia, or any sugar substitute you prefer. Always adjust to taste.

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Selecting the Perfect Ripe Strawberries

The secret to an outstanding strawberry agua fresca begins with selecting the best fruit. Strawberries are typically in season from late spring through early summer, and this is when they’ll offer the most intense sweetness and flavor. However, even when out of season, you can still pick excellent berries with these tips:

• Color is Key: Always choose strawberries that exhibit a bright, uniform red color across their entire surface. Avoid any berries with white or green patches, especially near the stem, as this indicates they were picked prematurely and will lack sweetness and flavor.
• Feel for Firmness: Gently touch the strawberries. They should feel firm but yield slightly to a gentle squeeze. Overly hard strawberries are underripe, while mushy or soft spots signal that they are overripe and may have begun to spoil.
• Aromatic Scent: Ripe strawberries release a distinctively sweet and fragrant aroma. Don’t be shy – give them a sniff! If they smell sweet and appealing, they’re likely good to go. If there’s no scent or a sour smell, pass them by.
• Size Matters Less, Uniformity More: While size isn’t the sole indicator of quality, it’s generally best to select medium to large strawberries. Very small berries might be less sweet, while excessively large ones can sometimes be watery or have a mealy texture. Focus more on color and scent than on sheer size.
• Check the Container: Before buying, quickly check the bottom of the container for any crushed, moldy, or leaky berries. One bad berry can quickly affect the others in the pack.

The Importance of Thoroughly Washing Your Strawberries

Before we dive into the blending process, it’s crucial to address the importance of thoroughly washing your strawberries. Strawberries consistently appear on the Environmental Working Group’s “Dirty Dozen” list, which identifies fruits and vegetables with high levels of pesticide residues. For this reason, if possible, purchasing organic strawberries is highly recommended.

However, whether you opt for organic or conventional berries, a good wash is always a smart step to remove dirt, debris, and any lingering residues. Here’s an effective method to ensure your strawberries are sparkling clean and ready for consumption:

1. Prepare the Bath: Fill a large bowl with cool or cold water. Ensure the bowl is large enough to submerge all your strawberries without overcrowding.
2. Add Vinegar: Pour in ¼ cup of distilled white vinegar into the water. The vinegar acts as a natural disinfectant, helping to kill bacteria and break down pesticide residues more effectively than water alone, without imparting any noticeable taste to the fruit.
3. Gentle Agitation: Carefully add your strawberries to the vinegar water. Gently swirl them around with your hands for about 30 seconds to ensure all surfaces come into contact with the cleaning solution.
4. Soak Time: Allow the strawberries to soak for approximately 5 minutes. This gives the vinegar solution time to work its magic.
5. Rinse and Drain: After soaking, transfer the strawberries to a colander. Rinse them thoroughly under cool running water for at least 30 seconds. This step is essential to wash away any vinegar residue and loosened dirt.
6. Dry Completely: For best results, spread the clean strawberries in a single layer on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and allow them to air dry completely, or gently pat them dry. This prevents excess water from diluting your agua fresca.

With your beautifully cleaned strawberries now ready, it’s time to transform them into a delicious creamy agua fresca!

1. Prepare Your Strawberries

• Once your strawberries have been thoroughly washed and dried (as per the instructions above), it’s time to hull them. To hull, simply use a paring knife to remove the green leafy tops and the small white core beneath them. This ensures only the sweet, red flesh goes into your drink.
• Next, cut the hulled strawberries into quarters. This smaller size helps them blend more easily and thoroughly, ensuring a smoother consistency.

2. Combine Ingredients in Blender

• Transfer all the prepared strawberries into your high-speed blender.
• Carefully add the cold water, your chosen sweetener (honey, agave, etc.), the dairy-free creamer (Nutpods or coconut milk), and the optional ground cinnamon. Ensure all ingredients are measured accurately for the best flavor balance.

3. Blend Until Silky Smooth

• Secure the lid on your blender and blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. For the frothiest texture, allow it to blend a little longer. You want no visible strawberry pieces and a consistent, velvety liquid.
• Optional Straining: While not strictly necessary for this creamy version, if you prefer an exceptionally smooth, pulp-free drink, you can pour the blended agua fresca through a fine mesh sieve or a nut milk bag. This step will catch any tiny seed fragments or remaining pulp, resulting in a cleaner mouthfeel.
• Your delicious creamy strawberry agua fresca is now ready to serve!

Serving Your Creamy Agua Fresca

For the best possible experience, your creamy strawberry agua fresca should be served chilled. Pour the freshly blended drink into a beautiful pitcher or individual glasses. You can refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and for it to reach optimal coldness. Alternatively, serve it immediately over plenty of ice. For an appealing presentation, garnish each glass with a fresh strawberry slice, a whole strawberry, or a sprig of mint.

Storing Leftovers

This strawberry water is undoubtedly at its peak freshness and flavor when served immediately after preparation. However, if you have any leftovers, they can be safely stored. Transfer the remaining agua fresca into a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid or any other airtight container. Refrigerate promptly, and it will keep well for up to 2 days. Give it a good stir or a quick shake before serving, as some separation might occur naturally.

Expert Tips & Creative Variations for Your Agua Fresca

Elevate your creamy strawberry agua fresca with these helpful tips and exciting variations:

• Sweetness Adjustment is Key: The natural sweetness of strawberries can vary greatly depending on their ripeness and season. Always taste the blended mixture before adding the dairy-free creamer. This allows you to accurately assess and adjust the amount of sweetener to your exact liking, ensuring a perfectly balanced drink every time.
• Prioritize Ripe Strawberries: This cannot be stressed enough! Using genuinely ripe, in-season strawberries is paramount for achieving the best flavor profile without relying heavily on added sugars. Ripe berries are naturally sweeter and more aromatic, contributing significantly to the deliciousness of your agua fresca.
• Blend for Optimal Creaminess and Froth: Don’t skimp on blending time. For that wonderfully smooth, creamy, and frothy texture, allow your blender to work its magic for at least 2-3 minutes on high speed. A powerful blender will break down the strawberries completely, incorporating air for that delightful froth.
• Chill Thoroughly for Best Flavor: While serving over ice is good, chilling the entire batch in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving allows the flavors to deepen and meld beautifully. It results in a more integrated and refreshing taste.
• Add a Citrus Boost: A squeeze of fresh lime juice can brighten the strawberry flavor and add a tangy counterpoint, making the agua fresca even more refreshing. Start with a tablespoon and adjust to taste.
• Herbal Infusion: For an elevated twist, consider adding a few fresh mint leaves or a sprig of basil to the blender. These herbs complement strawberries wonderfully, adding a sophisticated, fragrant note.
• Sparkling Twist: For a fizzy version, once your agua fresca is ready and chilled, mix it with an equal part of sparkling water or club soda just before serving. This adds a delightful effervescence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

More Delicious Fruit-Inspired Recipes to Try

• Sweetened Condensed Milk Fruit Salad
• Dairy-Free Strawberry-Coconut Cream Paletas (Popsicles)
• No-Churn Banana Almond Butter Ice Cream

We truly hope you enjoy this vibrant and creamy strawberry agua fresca! If you give this recipe a try, please take a moment to leave a comment with a star rating below – your feedback is incredibly valuable. Additionally, to stay connected with our latest recipes and culinary adventures, be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest. And don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates straight to your inbox.

Recipe Card

Originally published May 27, 2021. Updated post and photos April 2023.