Refreshing Strawberry Mango Agua Fresca: Your Ultimate Summer Drink Recipe
Beat the heat with this incredibly vibrant and refreshing Strawberry Mango Agua Fresca (also known as Agua de Fresa con Mango). This delightful Mexican beverage combines the juicy sweetness of ripe strawberries with the rich, tropical notes of mangoes. Lightly sweetened with natural honey and brightened with a splash of fresh lime juice, it’s a nourishing and utterly delicious drink. Perfect for summer gatherings, backyard barbecues, or simply as a revitalizing treat to enjoy any time of the day. Get ready to transform fresh fruit into a hydrating, flavorful sensation that your whole family will adore!
There’s nothing quite like a homemade agua fresca to quench your thirst and invigorate your senses, especially during warmer months. I’ve previously shared my individual recipes for a simple, yet intensely refreshing Agua de Fresa and a wonderfully tropical Mango Agua Fresca. Now, I’m thrilled to bring you the best of both worlds with this exquisite combination: a smooth, naturally sweet, and incredibly flavorful drink bursting with the true essence of summer.
The inspiration for this recipe comes directly from my childhood memories of growing up in a Latina household. My mom had a wonderful knack for whipping up aguas frescas, blending whatever ripe, seasonal fruit we had on hand into delicious concoctions. This spirit of embracing freshness and seasonal ingredients is at the heart of this recipe, coupled with my entire family’s undeniable love for both strawberries and mangoes.
Strawberries contribute a delicate, bright sweetness and a beautiful ruby hue, while mangoes add a luscious body, a creamy texture, and a rich, tropical depth to the drink. Beyond their incredible flavor synergy, this combination is remarkably nourishing. It’s packed with essential nutrients, including a generous dose of Vitamin C for immune support, beneficial fiber for digestion, and powerful antioxidants that help protect your body. And, like all my aguas frescas recipes, this one is incredibly easy to customize to your exact taste preferences and is naturally sweetened with honey, making it a healthier alternative to many store-bought beverages.
For more delightful and refreshing strawberry agua fresca combinations, be sure to explore these popular recipes: Pineapple Strawberry Agua Fresca, Watermelon Strawberry Agua Fresca, Limonada de Fresa (Strawberry Limeade), and our creamy, dairy-free version, Creamy Strawberry Agua Fresca.
What Exactly is Agua Fresca?
Agua fresca, which translates to “fresh water” in Spanish, is a traditional Mexican beverage celebrated for its simple yet vibrant flavors. These light, non-alcoholic drinks are typically made by blending fresh fruits, grains, or flowers with water, a touch of sweetener, and often a squeeze of lime. They are a staple in Mexican households, street food stalls, and restaurants, offering a refreshing and healthy alternative to sugary sodas. The beauty of agua fresca lies in its simplicity and versatility, allowing the natural flavors of the main ingredient to truly shine. They are perfect for cooling down on a hot day and are a fantastic way to enjoy the goodness of fresh produce.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Mango Agua Fresca
- Irresistibly Delicious: The sweet tang of strawberries perfectly complements the creamy, tropical notes of mango, creating a flavor profile that’s both exotic and comforting.
- Super Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps and minimal ingredients, you can whip up a batch of this refreshing drink in under 15 minutes.
- Naturally Healthy: Packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants from fresh fruit, and sweetened with natural honey, it’s a guilt-free indulgence.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family meal, a picnic, a summer party, or just a quiet afternoon on the porch, this agua fresca is always a hit.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the sweetness, thickness, and tartness to suit your personal preference.
Ingredients & Substitutions for a Perfect Blend
Crafting this delicious Strawberry Mango Agua Fresca requires only a handful of fresh, high-quality ingredients. The key to the best flavor and natural sweetness truly lies in selecting ripe fruit. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Fresh Strawberries: Look for firm, bright red strawberries with green caps. The riper they are, the sweeter your agua fresca will be. If fresh are out of season, you can use frozen strawberries; just be sure to adjust the water content slightly as frozen fruit adds more liquid when blended.
- Ripe Honey Mangos (Ataulfo Mangoes): These are my preferred choice due to their incredibly sweet flavor and creamy, non-fibrous flesh. Their skin turns a deep golden yellow when ripe, and they’ll feel slightly soft to the touch. If Ataulfo mangos aren’t available, other ripe mango varieties like Haden or Tommy Atkins will also work beautifully, though you might need to strain a bit more if they are fibrous.
- Water: Cold, filtered water is best to ensure a clean, crisp base for your drink. You’ll use a portion for blending and the rest to adjust to your desired consistency.
- Fresh Lime Juice: A squeeze of fresh lime juice is essential! It cuts through the sweetness of the fruit, adding a bright, zesty tang that elevates all the flavors. Do not substitute with bottled lime juice if you can help it; fresh makes a huge difference.
- Honey Simple Syrup (Optional, or Sweetener of Choice): While ripe fruit often provides enough sweetness, a touch of honey simple syrup allows you to customize the drink to your preference. You can also use agave nectar, a dash of sugar, or leave it unsweetened if your fruit is exceptionally sweet.
Choosing the Best Fruit: Always prioritize fruit that is in season and fully ripe. Ripe strawberries will be fragrant and deep red, while ripe mangoes will yield slightly to gentle pressure and emit a sweet aroma near the stem. This ensures maximum natural sweetness and flavor, reducing the need for added sweeteners.
See the complete recipe card below for a detailed list of all ingredients and precise quantities.
Easy Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this delightful Strawberry Mango Agua Fresca is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect pitcher every time:
- Prepare Mangos: Carefully peel the mangos using a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife. Once peeled, cut the flesh away from the large central pit. Chop the mango flesh into rough chunks. Set these aside in a bowl.
- Wash Strawberries: Place the fresh strawberries in a large bowl. Fill the bowl with water and add a splash of vinegar (about 1 tablespoon per 4 cups of water) to help clean and disinfect the fruit. Let them soak for about 5-10 minutes. Afterwards, drain the water and rinse the strawberries thoroughly under cold running water. This helps remove any dirt or pesticide residue.
- Cut the Strawberries: After washing, remove the green stems (hull them). Then, halve or quarter the strawberries. Cutting them into smaller pieces will make them easier to blend, ensuring a smoother consistency.
- Blend: Transfer the chopped mango and strawberries to a high-speed blender. Add the fresh lime juice and 4 cups of cold water. Secure the lid and blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and no visible fruit chunks remain. This should take about 1-2 minutes, depending on your blender.
- Strain (Optional for Ultra-Smoothness): For an exceptionally smooth and pulp-free drink, pour the blended mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a large pitcher. Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to press the pulp against the sieve, extracting as much liquid as possible. Discard any remaining solids. While optional, this step significantly enhances the drink’s texture.
- Mix Together & Sweeten: Once strained (or if you skipped straining), add the remaining 2 cups of cold water to the pitcher with the fruit mixture. Stir everything together thoroughly. Taste the agua fresca. If desired, gradually add honey simple syrup (or your preferred sweetener) to achieve your ideal level of sweetness. Start with a little and add more as needed.
- Chill and Serve: For the best flavor, chill the agua fresca in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures a truly refreshing experience. Alternatively, you can serve it immediately over plenty of ice. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Best Strawberry Mango Agua Fresca
- Use Ripe Fruit: This cannot be stressed enough! The riper your strawberries and mangoes are, the more natural sweetness and intense flavor your agua fresca will have.
- Adjust Sweetness Gradually: Always taste before adding sweetener. Ripe fruit can be surprisingly sweet on its own. Add honey simple syrup or other sweeteners a little at a time until it’s perfect for your palate.
- Fresh Lime is Key: Bottled lime juice simply doesn’t compare to the bright, zesty flavor of fresh lime. It adds a crucial balance to the sweetness.
- Chill Thoroughly: While you can serve it immediately over ice, chilling the agua fresca for at least an hour allows the flavors to deepen and meld, resulting in a more harmonious and refreshing drink.
- Consider Frozen Fruit: If fresh, ripe fruit isn’t available, or if you want an extra frosty drink without diluting it with too much ice, you can use frozen strawberries or mango chunks. You might need slightly less initial water if using frozen fruit.
- Don’t Skip the Strainer for Smoothness: While optional, straining the blended mixture through a fine-mesh sieve ensures a silky-smooth texture, free from any pulp or fibrous bits, especially important with some mango varieties.
Honey Simple Syrup Recipe
Making your own honey simple syrup is incredibly easy and allows for perfect control over the sweetness of your agua fresca. It also mixes into cold drinks much more smoothly than raw honey.
- In a small saucepan, combine ¾ cup honey with 1 cup of water.
- Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, just until the honey is fully dissolved into the water. Do not bring the mixture to a boil.
- As soon as the honey dissolves, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the syrup cool completely to room temperature before using. Store any leftover simple syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks.
Recommended for This Recipe
Glass Drink Dispenser with Spigot
A beautiful glass drink dispenser with a spigot, like this one, is not only practical but also an elegant way to display and serve your homemade aguas frescas at any gathering. It makes self-serving easy and keeps the drink looking inviting.
How to Serve
Serving your homemade Strawberry Mango Agua Fresca is simple, yet a few thoughtful touches can elevate the experience. Always serve it well chilled or generously poured over ice for maximum refreshment. For an extra touch of elegance and visual appeal, consider garnishing each glass with a few fresh slices or chunks of strawberries and mangoes. A sprig of fresh mint or a lime wheel can also add a lovely aromatic finish. This agua fresca is perfect on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with spicy Mexican dishes, grilled meats, or light summer salads.
Storing and Making Ahead
This Strawberry Mango Agua Fresca is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be prepared ahead of time and stored for later. Store any leftover agua fresca in a clean, airtight bottle or other container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Over time, some separation of the fruit pulp and water may occur, which is completely normal. Simply give it a good shake or stir before serving to recombine the flavors and restore its vibrant appearance. Do not freeze the agua fresca in liquid form, as the texture can change upon thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen fruit for this agua fresca?
Yes, absolutely! If fresh, ripe strawberries and mangoes aren’t available, or if you prefer a thicker, icier consistency, frozen fruit works wonderfully. Just be aware that frozen fruit may result in a slightly thicker drink, so you might need to adjust the amount of water to reach your desired consistency. You can also skip some of the ice if you start with frozen fruit.
Do I have to strain the agua fresca?
Straining is optional but highly recommended for the smoothest possible drink. It removes any pulp, seeds, or fibrous bits, especially from certain mango varieties, resulting in a cleaner, more refined texture. If you prefer a thicker, more rustic drink with some pulp, you can skip this step.
How can I make this agua fresca less sweet or sweeter?
The sweetness of your agua fresca largely depends on the ripeness of your fruit. For a less sweet drink, ensure your fruit is perfectly ripe and then simply omit the honey simple syrup. If you prefer it sweeter, add the honey simple syrup gradually, tasting as you go, until it reaches your desired level. You can also use other sweeteners like agave nectar, stevia, or granulated sugar.
Can I add other fruits or flavors?
Agua frescas are incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with other additions. A few mint leaves blended with the fruit can add a refreshing herbaceous note. A slice of fresh ginger can provide a subtle, spicy kick. You could also try adding a small amount of pineapple or orange for a different tropical twist.
Is this agua fresca healthy?
Yes, this Strawberry Mango Agua Fresca is a very healthy choice! It’s made with fresh fruits, which are natural sources of vitamins (especially Vitamin C), minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. When sweetened with natural honey or minimal added sugars, it’s a far healthier and more hydrating option than most store-bought juices or sodas.
Can I make this into a cocktail?
Absolutely! This agua fresca makes a fantastic base for summer cocktails. Try adding a splash of tequila or rum for a delicious adult beverage. It would be excellent in a margarita, daiquiri, or simply mixed with a clear spirit and a bit of sparkling water.
I truly hope you enjoy this vibrant and refreshing Strawberry Mango Agua Fresca as much as my family and I do! If you try this recipe, please leave me a commentwith a star rating below. Your feedback is always appreciated! Also, be sure to follow me on Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest to stay in touch and discover more delicious Latin-inspired recipes. And don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive content and updates!
Recipe
Strawberry Mango Agua Fresca
by Gemma Aguayo-Murphy
Pin Recipe
Equipment
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Blender
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cutting board
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Knife
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Fine mesh sieve
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Pitcher
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mixing spoon
Ingredients
- 2 ripe honey mangos (Ataulfo) or other ripe mango variety
- 1 lb strawberries
- 1 lime
- 6 cups cold water, divided
- honey simple syrup or sweetener of choice
Instructions
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Peel the mangos and remove the flesh from the pit. Chop mangos into chunks. Set aside.
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Soak the strawberries in a large bowl with vinegar and water to disinfect. Drain and rinse under cold water.
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Remove the stems from the strawberries, then halve or quarter the strawberries for easier blending.
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Add chopped fruit, lime juice and 2 cups of water. Blend until completely smooth.
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For a smoother drink, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a large pitcher.
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Stir in the remaining water.
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Taste and add honey simple syrup (or preferred sweetener) to your desired sweetness.
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Chill for 30 minutes to an hour or serve immediately over ice.
Notes
- In a small saucepan, combine ¾ cup honey with 1 cup of water.
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Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally, just until the honey fully dissolves. Do not bring to a boil.
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As soon as the honey dissolves, remove from heat and let cool completely.