Agua Fresca

Agua fresca, meaning “fresh water” in spanish, is a refreshing and beloved summer drink that originated hundreds of years ago in the Aztec empire. It’s especially popular in Latin America, but today, this fruit infused drink has become a worldwide favorite, and is often celebrated through festivals and competitions! It’s no surprise that agua fresca has become such a popular drink, though, because it’s the perfect way to cool off on a hot summer day.

If you’re in the mood to try your hand at making this iconic drink, we’ve got you covered with one of the best homemade, non-alcoholic agua fresca recipes out there. With just 3 ingredients: water, sugar, and DOLE^® Pineapple Juice – this recipe is not only delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to make! Simply mix the ingredients together until the sugar dissolves, which should only take a minute or two, then add ice cubes if you want to keep your drink cool, and, if you’re feeling inspired, garnish with a pineapple wedge and leaf to match our photo!

For those who are looking for a more authentic agua fresca, we’ve provided an alternative recipe that involves blending your mix and adding crushed pineapple. You may find that this method is easier because it doesn’t need any hand mixing, and you may even prefer the taste or texture over the original version because of the extra pineapple – if you do, let us know in a review below! We’ve also added a variation for a pitcher’s worth of agua fresca, because it’s perfect for any summer get-together where you would want a cold and refreshing drink! Plus, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit among people of all ages, whether you’re serving it as a host or bringing it as a guest.

Pineapple agua fresca is a much healthier choice compared to most other flavored drinks out there (we’re looking at you, soda!) But, if you’re looking to cut back on your sugar intake even more, there are 2 easy tweaks you can make to the recipe. First, you can omit the added sugar altogether – pineapple is already one of the naturally sweetest fruits out there, so you can rely on it for a delicious flavor without any extra sugar. Second, you can swap out the DOLE Pineapple Juice with DOLE Pineapple Light Juice Drink, which has both 60% less sugar and calories. With these two simple changes, you can indulge in this tasty drink while feeling even better about your health!

If you’re planning a full meal, there are plenty of classic dishes that pair perfectly with agua fresca. You can’t go wrong with carnitas tacos, where the sweetness of the drink will balance out the bold, savory flavors of the meat. Spicy tamales are another excellent choice, as the drink can provide a welcome relief from the heat. But, whatever you decide to serve alongside your agua fresca, you can count on it to keep you hydrated while cleansing your palate in between bites!

You’ll find that this agua fresca recipe will taste so much better than any pre-made mix available. And, thanks to DOLE Pineapple Juice and Crushed Pineapple, you can forget about tediously chopping up fruit and get straight to sipping. So let’s raise a glass of homemade agua fresca and toast to this hassle-free drink! Cheers!