Creamy Strawberry Agua Fresca

Fresh, fruity, creamy, and wonderfully refreshing, this Creamy Strawberry Agua Fresca is the perfect chilled drink for warm days.

Fresh strawberries are blended with water and creamy evaporated and condensed milk to create a smooth, lightly sweet strawberry drink with a rich, silky finish. Diced fresh strawberries and plenty of ice make it extra refreshing.

⏱ Recipe Information

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Difficulty: Easy
Method: No-Cook

Ingredients

Strawberry Agua Fresca

• 1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
• 6 cups cold water

For Serving

• ½ cup fresh strawberries, diced
• Ice cubes, as needed

Instructions

1. Prepare the Strawberries

Wash the strawberries thoroughly and remove the green tops.

Reserve the smaller or prettiest strawberries for garnish if desired.

Cut the remaining strawberries into halves or quarters.

2. Blend the Strawberries

Place the hulled strawberries and approximately 2 cups of the water into a blender.

Blend on high for 30–60 seconds, or until the strawberries are completely puréed.

For a smoother drink, strain the strawberry mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher.

If you prefer a little more fruit texture, you can skip the straining step.

3. Add the Remaining Water

Pour the strawberry mixture into a large pitcher.

Add the remaining 4 cups of cold water.

Stir gently until combined.

4. Add the Evaporated Milk

Pour the evaporated milk into the strawberry mixture.

Stir slowly until the drink becomes evenly creamy and pale pink.

5. Sweeten With Condensed Milk

Add the ½ cup sweetened condensed milk.

Stir thoroughly until completely incorporated.

Taste the agua fresca.

If you prefer it sweeter, add a little additional condensed milk.

If it is too sweet, add a little more cold water.

6. Chill

Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

This allows the strawberry flavor to develop and ensures the drink is thoroughly chilled.

Stir again before serving.

7. Prepare the Serving Glasses

Fill each glass generously with ice.

Add a spoonful of diced fresh strawberries.

8. Pour and Garnish

Pour the chilled strawberry agua fresca over the ice.

Add a few more diced strawberries on top.

For a pretty presentation, garnish with a whole or halved strawberry on the rim of the glass.

Serve immediately.

Chef’s Tips

Use Ripe Strawberries

The sweeter and more flavorful the strawberries, the better the agua fresca will taste.

Chill Before Adding Ice

Chilling the drink first prevents the ice from melting too quickly and diluting the flavor.

Adjust the Sweetness

Strawberries vary in sweetness. Taste before serving and adjust with more condensed milk or water as needed.

Don’t Overblend

Blend just until smooth. Excessive blending can create unnecessary foam.

Stir Before Every Pour

The strawberry mixture and dairy can settle slightly, so give the pitcher a gentle stir before serving.

Flavor Variations

Strawberry Banana Agua Fresca

Blend 1 ripe banana with the strawberries for a thicker, naturally sweet drink.

Strawberry Coconut Agua Fresca

Replace 1 cup of water with 1 cup coconut milk for a tropical twist.

Strawberry Lime Agua Fresca

Add 2–3 tablespoons fresh lime juice for a bright, tangy flavor.

Strawberry Vanilla

Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for a dessert-like flavor.

Berry Agua Fresca

Replace part of the strawberries with raspberries or blueberries.

Make-Ahead Instructions

The strawberry mixture can be prepared several hours ahead and refrigerated.

For the freshest flavor, keep the diced strawberries separate and add them to the glasses immediately before serving.

Because this drink contains dairy, keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.

Storage

Store leftover agua fresca in a covered pitcher in the refrigerator.

Refrigerator: Best enjoyed within 2 days.

Stir well before serving.

Do not leave the dairy-based drink at room temperature for extended periods.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this refreshing drink with:

• Tacos
• Fajitas
• Quesadillas
• Grilled chicken
• Mexican street corn
• Fresh fruit
• Churros
• Tres leches cake

It’s especially delicious served ice-cold on a warm afternoon.

Recipe Summary

This Creamy Strawberry Agua Fresca is a simple, refreshing drink made with fresh strawberries, evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and cold water.

It’s naturally fruity, creamy without being overly heavy, and beautifully pink. Diced strawberries and ice make every glass extra special.

Fresh strawberries + creamy milk + sweet condensed milk + ice = the perfect strawberry refresher.