Agua de Frutas La Michoacana is a refreshing Mexican fruit drink, typically served at Mexican-style paleterías or markets. It’s a combination of fresh fruits blended with water and sweetener, creating a naturally delicious beverage. Here’s how you can make a simple version of this iconic drink:
Ingredients:
- 3 cups of fresh fruit (a mix of tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, watermelon, or cantaloupe work great)
- 4 cups of cold water
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup of sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1-2 tablespoons of lime juice (optional, for extra tartness)
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
- Prepare the fruit:
- Peel and chop your chosen fruits into smaller chunks. If you’re using watermelon, remove the seeds.
- Blend the fruit:
- In a blender, combine the fruit chunks with about 1-2 cups of the cold water and blend until smooth.
- Strain (optional):
- If you prefer a smoother drink, you can strain the blended fruit to remove pulp and seeds. Otherwise, leave it as is for a thicker texture.
- Add the remaining water:
- Add the rest of the cold water and blend again. Taste for sweetness, and if needed, add sugar. Adjust to your liking.
- Add lime juice:
- For a refreshing tang, mix in some lime juice. This step is optional, but it’s very typical in La Michoacana-style aguas.
- Serve:
- Pour the agua de frutas into glasses over ice cubes.
- Garnish (optional):
- You can garnish with a slice of lime or a piece of the fruit you used.
Tips:
- Fruit combinations: You can use any combination of fresh fruits you like—mango, pineapple, watermelon, and cantaloupe are popular choices. If you want a richer flavor, you can add a little coconut milk or coconut water to the blend.
- Sweeteners: Instead of sugar, you can use agave syrup or honey for a different sweetness profile.
- Chill the fruit: If you want a colder, more refreshing agua, chill your fruit pieces beforehand or use frozen fruit.
Enjoy this sweet and refreshing Mexican treat!