Aguas 1 Gallon Recipe

Pour 1 gallon of cold filtered water into a clean 1.5–2 gallon pitcher or beverage dispenser.

Make simple syrup

If you want a lightly sweetened agua, combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup hot water in a heatproof measuring cup or small saucepan. Stir until sugar dissolves completely, about 1–2 minutes. Let cool slightly before adding to the water.

Stir the cooled simple syrup into the gallon of water until fully incorporated. Taste and add more or less syrup to preference.

Roll the limes, lemon, and orange on the counter with light pressure to release juices. Cut each fruit in half and squeeze the juice through a strainer into a small bowl (this removes large seeds and pulp). Add the strained citrus juice to the gallon of water and stir.

Thinly slice one half of each fruit (or as much as you like) and add the slices to the pitcher for flavor and visual appeal.

Prepare your chosen add-ins: hull and slice strawberries; peel and dice pineapple; peel, halve, and thinly slice cucumber; gently bruise mint leaves by clapping between your hands to release aroma.

Add 1 cup of the selected fruit or cucumber to the pitcher. If combining, total approx. 1–2 cups of mix-ins works well for 1 gallon.

Gently muddle the fruit or cucumber and mint in a small bowl or directly in the pitcher with the back of a spoon for 10–15 seconds to release flavor—do not pulverize.

Stir the pitcher to incorporate flavors. Refrigerate the water for at least 1 hour, preferably 2–4 hours, to allow infusion. For the brightest flavor, refrigerate up to 8 hours (overnight).

Before serving, taste and adjust: add up to 1 tsp sea salt (optional) to enhance flavor or a splash more simple syrup if sweeter drink is desired. Stir to combine.

Add ice to the pitcher or to individual glasses (about 4 cups total for serving). Pour the infused agua into glasses, including fruit slices and mint as desired.

Serve cold. Leftover agua will keep refrigerated, covered, for up to 3 days; fruit may be removed after 24 hours to prevent bitterness.