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Ingredients
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Base
Sweetening & Seasoning
Finish & Garnish
Method
Prepare Fruit
Wash and Dice
Wash the seasonal fruit thoroughly. Peel and remove seeds or pits as necessary, then cut into roughly 1-inch pieces. Measure 4 cups packed fruit pieces.
Macerate (optional for firmer fruit)
If using firmer fruit (like strawberries or mango) and you want extra juice and flavor, toss the fruit with 1 tablespoon of the sugar and let sit 10–15 minutes, then proceed.
Blend & Strain
Blend
Place the 4 cups of prepared fruit, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, remaining sugar (if not used for maceration), and a pinch of salt into a blender. Add 2 cups of cold water. Blend on high until smooth, about 30–45 seconds.
Adjust Sweetness
Taste the puree and add additional sugar or simple syrup as needed to reach your desired sweetness. Blend briefly (10–15 seconds) to incorporate any added sweetener.
Strain (optional)
For a silky-textured agua fresca, pour the blended mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or chinois into a pitcher, using a spoon to press solids and extract as much liquid as possible. If you prefer a pulpy drink, skip straining.
Dilute & Chill
Add the remaining 2 cups of cold water to the pitcher (total 4 cups water). Stir to combine. Taste and adjust acidity with a little more lime juice if desired.
Refrigerate the agua fresca for at least 30 minutes to chill and allow flavors to meld. If you need it immediately, serve over ice but flavors will be best after chilling.
Serve
Fill glasses with ice cubes. Pour the chilled agua fresca over ice. Garnish each glass with a sprig of fresh mint or a thin lime slice if desired. Serve immediately.