Refrescos - Aguas Recipe

Combine and Sweeten

In a large pitcher, pour the strained fresh orange juice and fresh lime juice. Add 1 tablespoon granulated sugar and stir vigorously until the sugar is dissolved.

Dilute and Chill

Add 4 cups cold water to the pitcher and stir to combine. Taste and adjust sweetness or dilution — add more sugar (1 tsp at a time) or water as desired.

Serve

Fill glasses with ice cubes. Pour the citrus agua fresca over the ice, garnish with orange or lime slices and a mint sprig if using. Serve immediately.

Steep Hibiscus

Bring 6 cups water to a boil in a saucepan. Remove from heat, add the dried hibiscus flowers, cover, and let steep for 15–20 minutes until deeply colored and fragrant.

Strain and Sweeten

Strain the hibiscus infusion through a fine-mesh sieve into a heatproof container, discarding the solids. While still warm, stir in 1 cup granulated sugar until fully dissolved. Let the concentrated infusion cool to room temperature.

Dilute and Finish

Once cooled, transfer the hibiscus concentrate to a pitcher and add 4 cups cold water and 1/2 cup fresh lime juice. Stir well and taste; adjust sweetness or dilution by adding more water or sugar if necessary.

Serve

Fill glasses with ice. Pour the hibiscus agua fresca over the ice, garnish with lime slices, and serve chilled. Refrigerate leftovers up to 3–4 days.

Blend

Place the roughly chopped peeled cucumber, 1/2 cup fresh lime juice, and 2 teaspoons sugar (or agave) into a blender. Add 1 cup of the cold water and blend on high until very smooth (about 30–45 seconds).

Strain (optional)

If you want a smooth, pulp-free drink, strain the blended cucumber through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a pitcher, pressing on the solids to extract liquid. If you prefer a more rustic texture, skip straining.

Dilute and Adjust

Add the remaining 2 cups cold water to the pitcher, stir, and taste. Adjust sweetness or lime to preference. Add a handful of fresh mint leaves for extra aroma and gently bruise them before adding.

Serve

Pour over ice-filled glasses, garnish with cucumber slices and mint if using. Serve immediately; refrigerate up to 24 hours for best freshness.