AQUA FRESCA

An aqua fresca or “fresh water” is like a tisane – blends of fruits or cucumbers, flower petals and herbs with water.   This refreshing beverage is all about hydration and tea can be used for some or all of the water to add health-enhancing nutrients.  They can be lightly sweetened, but these cleansing drinks should be light, fresh and cooling but not overly sweet.  Used to balance the heat of the afternoon sun, a workout or spicy food, aqua fresca has been enjoyed throughout Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America for many years.

Traditionally, the freshest ingredients would be crushed by hand, then strained to eliminate pulp and mixed with water.  Today the fruit or vegetable is cut into chunks and then pureed until smooth and finally strained.  Lemon or lime juice and water is then added plus a sweetener like honey or simple syrup and it is served over plenty of ice garnished with fruits, cucumbers or herbs.

Simple syrups are ideal and easy to make by combining 1 c water and 1/3 c sugar using minimal heat to dissolve sugar.  Tea and herbs can also be used to create simple syrup.  To create them, add boiling water to tea, herbs or spices and let them steep for flavor extraction, then strain, add the sugar and heat just until dissolved. 

Cucumber- Green Tea Agua Fresca
2c cubed English cucumbers
6c water
2 limes, freshly juiced
2-4Tbs Green Tea/Lemongrass Simple Syrup
Pinch of salt

      Puree cucumbers with a cup of water. Strain well and discard the solids.  Place cucumber mixture in a large container and add simple syrup, lime juice and remaining water plus a pinch of salt.  Stir well and add additional water or syrup to taste.  Garnish with sliced cucumber and fresh dill.

Green Tea/Lemongrass Simple Syrup: Pour 1c boiling water over 1/2c chopped fresh lemongrass, let steep 5 minutes, add 1tsp green tea and steep until cool, then strain.  Add 1/3c sugar and heat until dissolved.

“Taste and see that the Lord is good; 

blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.”

Psalm 34:8