Cilantro Agua Fresca Recipe

Name: Barrio Tacos Lakewoods Cilantro Agua Fresca Recipe
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 cups fresh cilantro leaves (packed, stems removed); 1 cups fresh orange juice (about 1 medium orange); 0.25 cups fresh lime juice (about 1 large lime); 0.5 tbs fresh lemon juice (about 1/2 lemon); 2 cups filtered water; 2 tbs agave nectar; 1 cups club soda (chilled); 1 cups ice cubes; 1 each orange wedge; 1 each lime wedge; 0.5 each lemon wedge; 1 each cilantro sprig (for garnish); 0.25 tsp coarse salt (optional, for rim)

Inspired by Barrio Tacos Lakewood

Time25m

Serves2

Código Blanco, lemon wedge, lime wedge, orange wedge, cilantro, agave, club soda

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Ingredients

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Agua fresca base

1 cups fresh cilantro leaves (packed, stems removed)

1 cups fresh orange juice (about 1 medium orange)

1/4 cups fresh lime juice (about 1 large lime)

1/2 tbs fresh lemon juice (about 1/2 lemon)

2 cups filtered water

2 tbs agave nectar

Finish & garnish

1 cups club soda (chilled)

1 cups ice cubes

1 each orange wedge

1 each lime wedge

1/2 each lemon wedge

1 each cilantro sprig (for garnish)

1/4 tsp coarse salt (optional, for rim)

Method

Prepare base

Wash and measure

Rinse the cilantro thoroughly to remove any grit. Remove thick stems and lightly pat the leaves dry. Measure 1 packed cup of cilantro leaves.

Juice citrus

Juice the orange, lime, and half a lemon. You should have roughly 1 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, and 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice. Strain if you prefer a smoother texture.

Blend

In a blender combine the cilantro leaves, orange juice, lime juice, lemon juice, 2 tablespoons agave nectar and 1 cup filtered water. Blend on high for 30–45 seconds until the cilantro is fully incorporated and the mixture is bright green.

Strain (optional)

If you want a clear, smooth agua fresca, pour the blended mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or chinois into a pitcher, pressing with a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible. For a more rustic, herbaceous drink, skip straining.

Chill and finish

Adjust sweetness and dilute

Taste the strained (or unstrained) base. If it needs more sweetness, stir in additional agave 1/2 teaspoon at a time until balanced. Add the remaining 1 cup filtered water if you prefer a lighter flavor; adjust to taste.

Chill

Refrigerate the base for at least 20 minutes to let flavors marry, or serve immediately over ice if short on time.

Assemble serving

Fill a tall glass with ice (about 1 cup). Pour 3/4 cup of the cilantro orange agua fresca base into the glass, then top with 1/4 cup chilled club soda for light effervescence. Stir gently to combine.

Garnish and serve

Garnish with an orange wedge, lime wedge, half a lemon wedge, and a small cilantro sprig. If desired, rim the glass lightly with lemon or lime and dip into 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt before pouring to add a salty contrast. Serve immediately.