Strawberry Agua Fresca:

Strawberry Agua Fresca:

Yields: 6-8 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Chill time: 30 minutes (optional, but recommended)

Ingredients:

• 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled (stems removed)
• 4-6 cups cold water (start with 4 and add more for desired consistency)
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup granulated sugar, or to taste (adjust based on the sweetness of your strawberries and personal preference)
• 1-2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (optional, but enhances the flavor)
• Ice cubes, for serving
• Fresh strawberry slices or lime wedges, for garnish (optional)

Equipment:

• Blender
• Fine-mesh sieve (optional, for a smoother drink)
• Large pitcher or serving carafe
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board and knife

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Strawberries:

   • Thoroughly wash the fresh strawberries under cold running water.
   • Carefully hull each strawberry by removing the green leafy top and the small white core. You can use a small knife or a strawberry huller for this.

2. Blend the Strawberries:

   • Place the hulled strawberries into your blender.
   • Add 2 cups of the cold water to the blender.
   • Blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and no large chunks of strawberry remain. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes.

3. Sweeten and Adjust Consistency:

   • Add 1/4 cup of sugar to the blended strawberry mixture.
   • Add the remaining 2 cups of cold water.
   • Blend again for another 30 seconds to combine the sugar and water.
   • Taste the mixture. If it’s not sweet enough for your liking, add more sugar, one tablespoon at a time, blending after each addition until you reach your desired sweetness.
   • If you prefer a thinner consistency, add more cold water, 1/2 cup at a time, blending to incorporate. The consistency shown in the image is quite thick, so you might want to use less water if you want a similar thickness.

4. Add Lime Juice (Optional but Recommended):

   • Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice. The lime juice brightens the flavor of the strawberries and adds a refreshing tang that balances the sweetness. Taste and adjust as needed.

5. Strain (Optional, for a smoother drink):

   • For a super smooth agua fresca, you can strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into your pitcher. Use a spoon or spatula to press against the solids in the sieve to extract all the liquid. Discard any remaining pulp. This step is optional; many people enjoy the slight pulpiness of an unstrained agua fresca. The drink in the image appears to be mostly smooth, so straining might be a good idea for a similar result.

6. Chill and Serve:

   • Transfer the strawberry agua fresca to a large pitcher or serving carafe.
   • Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and for the drink to become thoroughly chilled. This also helps any foam from blending to dissipate.
   • When ready to serve, pour the agua fresca over ice cubes in individual glasses.
   • Garnish with fresh strawberry slices or lime wedges, if desired.

Tips for the Best Strawberry Agua Fresca:

• Ripe Strawberries are Key: Use ripe, sweet strawberries for the best flavor.
• Adjust Sweetness: Always taste and adjust the sugar. The sweetness of strawberries can vary greatly.
• Lime is a Game Changer: Don’t skip the lime juice! It really elevates the flavor.
• Experiment with Herbs: For an extra twist, try adding a few fresh mint leaves or a sprig of basil to the blender with the strawberries.
• Make Ahead: Agua frescas are best enjoyed fresh, but you can make them a few hours in advance and keep them chilled in the refrigerator. Stir well before serving.
• Serving Variations:
  • Sparkling Agua Fresca: Top off each glass with a splash of sparkling water or club soda for some fizz.
  • Strawberry Daiquiri (Alcoholic): For an adult version similar to a daiquiri, blend the mixture with white rum and ice.
  • Frozen Version: For a thicker, more slushy-like consistency, blend the prepared agua fresca with extra ice.

Enjoy your refreshing homemade Strawberry Agua Fresca!