🍓🥛 Creamy Strawberry Agua Fresca
This Creamy Strawberry Agua Fresca is a wonderfully refreshing Mexican-inspired drink made with juicy fresh strawberries, evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and cold water.
Blended until silky smooth and served over plenty of ice with fresh diced strawberries, it’s creamy without being overly heavy and makes a beautiful drink for summer parties, family gatherings, brunches, cookouts, and everyday refreshment.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: About 40 minutes
- Yield: About 7–8 cups
- Servings: 6–8
- Difficulty: Easy
- Method: Blender / No-cook
Ingredients
For the Strawberry Agua Fresca
- 1 lb (450 g) fresh strawberries, hulled
- 1 can (12 oz / 354 ml) evaporated milk
- ½ cup (150 g) sweetened condensed milk
- 6 cups (1.4 liters) cold water
For Serving
- ½ cup (about 75 g) fresh strawberries, finely diced
- Ice cubes
Optional
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- Fresh mint leaves
- Extra condensed milk, for drizzling
Instructions
1. Prepare the Strawberries
Wash the strawberries thoroughly and remove the green tops.
Set aside the extra ½ cup of strawberries for serving.
Place the remaining strawberries in a blender.
2. Blend the Strawberries
Add about 2 cups of the cold water to the blender with the strawberries.
Blend on high for 30–60 seconds, until completely smooth.
If your strawberries contain many seeds or you prefer an ultra-smooth drink, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher.
3. Add the Dairy
Pour the strawberry purée into a large pitcher.
Add the evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk.
Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
4. Add the Remaining Water
Pour in the remaining 4 cups cold water.
Stir well.
Taste the agua fresca.
If you prefer it sweeter, add a little more condensed milk. If you’d like a brighter flavor, add 1–2 tablespoons fresh lime juice.
5. Chill
Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Chilling allows the flavors to blend and ensures the drink is perfectly refreshing.
6. Prepare the Fresh Strawberry Garnish
Dice the reserved strawberries into small pieces.
Keep them chilled until you’re ready to serve.
7. Serve Over Ice
Fill glasses generously with ice cubes.
Pour the chilled strawberry agua fresca over the ice.
Add a spoonful of diced fresh strawberries to each glass.
8. Garnish
Finish with a fresh strawberry slice or a small mint leaf if desired.
Serve immediately with a straw or spoon for the strawberry pieces.
Chef’s Tips
- Use ripe, sweet strawberries: The better the strawberries, the more flavorful the drink.
- Chill everything well: Cold ingredients make the agua fresca especially refreshing.
- Strain for a smoother drink: This removes most strawberry seeds and pulp.
- Adjust sweetness: Strawberry sweetness varies, so taste before serving.
- Stir before serving: Some separation may occur naturally because of the dairy and fruit.
- Don’t add too much ice to the pitcher: Ice can dilute the drink. Add it directly to individual glasses instead.
Delicious Variations
Strawberry Lime Agua Fresca
Add 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice for a bright, tangy finish.
Strawberry Coconut Agua Fresca
Replace 1 cup of the water with 1 cup coconut milk for an extra-creamy tropical version.
Strawberry Vanilla Agua Fresca
Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for a mellow, dessert-like flavor.
Strawberry Banana Agua Fresca
Blend in 1 ripe banana for a thicker, naturally sweet version.
Mixed Berry Agua Fresca
Replace some of the strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries.
Extra Creamy Version
Reduce the water to 5 cups and add an extra ¼ cup evaporated milk for a richer drink.
Make-Ahead Instructions
The blended agua fresca can be prepared up to 1 day ahead.
Store it covered in the refrigerator.
Stir thoroughly before serving and add fresh diced strawberries just before pouring.
Storage
Store leftover agua fresca in a covered pitcher or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Because it contains fresh fruit and dairy, keep it refrigerated and discard it if it develops an unusual smell or appearance.
Final Result
A beautiful glass of creamy Strawberry Agua Fresca bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, mellow evaporated milk, and sweet condensed milk. Served ice-cold with juicy strawberry pieces floating throughout, it’s the perfect refreshing drink for warm days and festive gatherings.