This blueberry agua fresca is such a refreshing summer drink! Light and fruity, it's a healthy drink that feels like such a treat and takes just ten minutes to make.
Fresh and fruity drinks are perfect for a hot summer day, and especially when a heatwave strikes as it is for us right now! Need to cool down too? For another berry option, you may like to see my blueberry mocktail, or for a tropical vibe my mango ginger mocktail. For a cooling faux coffee, my iced turmeric latte is so tasty!
This berry agua fresca combines just a few ingredients and is so simple to make. It's deliciously fruity, and perfect served over ice for a hot summer day in the garden or by the pool!
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Why this recipe is so good
Family recipe. Both adults and kids alike will love this fruity blueberry water drink!
Fruity and so healthy. The juicy blueberries give so much perfectly sweet flavour, and are packed with goodness.
Quick and easy. Such a simple recipe, with just ten minutes (max!) spent blending and straining the mixture. Then enjoy!
Ingredients
All the ingredients and their quantities are set out in the recipe card below.
- Blueberries - choose fresh, unbruised berries that are perfectly ripe so they are sweet and juicy.
- Maple syrup - we use this as an additional sweetener, although you can leave out if you prefer.
- Still water - you want still water not sparkling, and chilled water is much more refreshing!
Swaps and variations
Swap maple syrup for agave syrup. Both work well as a sweetener for the agua fresca.
Adjust the ratio of water to fruit. The amount of water will be down to personal preference. I suggest using a little, and then adding more to taste. More water will dilute the fruity taste, as will the ice.
Add lemon juice or lime juice. If it is suitable for you, then add a small squeeze of citrus. This likely isn't suitable for my low histamine readers.
Equipment needed
Blender - to blend the berries along with the water and syrup. I use a Nutribullet, but any good high powered blender will work well.
Strainer - I use a small strainer, usually referred to as a tea strainer or cocktail strainer, that can be placed over a glass. As an alternative, you can use a fine mesh sieve placed over a bowl or a cheesecloth. This may be easier for larger quantities.
Step by step instructions
Making this blueberry agua fresca at home is very simple, with just a few steps:
Step 1
Blend the blueberries, water and maple syrup so that the fruit has broken down, and there are no pieces left (image 1). Have a taste test and add more maple syrup or water to preference, and blend again if required.
Step 2
Add ice to your glasses, then strain the mixture into your glasses (image 2). Alternatively use a fine mesh sieve over a bowl and pour into your glasses.
Personally I find it necessary to 'double strain' the mixture as there is still quite a lot of blueberry skin and pulp going through that makes it froth up. If you like frothy just strain once! If you prefer a more 'liquid' drink, then strain again.
Step 3
Garnish with mint leaves and serve immediately.
What is the consistency of an agua fresca?
An agua fresca is typically made with fruits with a higher water content such as melons and cucumber. It is thin and liquid in consistency, just like flavoured water, and don't have any thickening ingredients such as smoothies typically do.
Berries aren't as common for an agua fresca, but I think it works so well! The only difference I have found from using berries is often needing to strain the mixture twice, as some of the blueberry 'pulp' can still get through the sieve and make for a thicker drink. Just strain again for a liquid consistency.
Recipe tips and notes
- Use perfectly ripe fruit. You want to have juicy ripe fruit that releases juice and is delightfully sweet. Underripe fruit won't have the same flavour.
- Blend the drink quite well. I suggest blending until you know the fruit has entirely broken down and become 'pulpy' with no lumps. Should only take ten seconds or so.
- Use chilled water. For a more refreshing drink on a hot day!
- Adjust the quantity of sweetener. Add more syrup if you have a sweet tooth!
Frequently asked questions
An agua fresca combines fruit and still water, while a mocktail typically uses sparkling water or club soda and less fruit.
Yes! You can easily add other berries or fruits. Just keep the quantity overall the same to mix with the water.
There are a few ways to strain an agua fresca. You can use a small strainer placed over your glass, strain through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl or jug, or use a cheesecloth.
More summer drinks
These fruity drinks will soon cool you down! There are also lots of fun ideas on my mocktails page for some fizz and bubbles, such as my elegant pomegranate ginger mocktail, or choose from my healthy smoothies.
I'm always in the kitchen, so come join me on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest to be the first to hear of new recipes! And please do leave a star rating if you tried the recipe!
Recipe
Blueberry agua fresca
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups blueberries
- ¼ cup fresh water
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- ice
- mint leaves to garnish
Instructions
- Blend the blueberries, water and maple syrup. Check the consistency and adjust to add more water to preference.
- Strain through a fine mesh sieve into your glasses. You may need to strain twice for a 'liquid' consistency.
- Add ice to your glasses, then top with the blueberry juice. Garnish with a sprig of mint and serve immediately.
Notes
- As an optional ingredient, you can add a squeeze of lime juice (my low histamine readers will likely not wish to do this).
- Adjust the amount of water to preference. If you like a more intense flavour keep to ¼ cup water. For more of a blueberry water, add more water. The ice cubes will water it down also, so factor that into your choice.
- If you do not have a small strainer, then place a fine mesh sieve over a bowl and strain that way. Alternatively you can use a cheese cloth.
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