Papaya Agua Fresca

Vibrant and refreshing agua fresca made with fresh papaya.

Fresh papayas are one of the fruits I like to always have on my kitchen counter. Not only are they flavorful, papayas are also packed with antioxidants, minerals, and vitamin C. Like most fruits, we love to eat papaya topped with Tajín (a chile-lime flavored seasoning salt) and fresh lime juice. But papaya also makes for an incredibly refreshing agua fresca perfect for helping you stay cool in the hot summer months.

You should also know that the seeds of the papaya are totally edible. If you've never tried them, puree some of the seeds with the papaya to add a light peppery undertone to your agua fresca.

Yield: 8 servingsAuthor: Leslie Limón

Agua Fresca de Papaya

Vibrant and refreshing agua fresca made with fresh papaya.

prep time: 10 MINScook time: 2 hourstotal time: 2 hours and 10 mins

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups ripe papaya, cut into bite-size pieces
• 6 cups water, divided
• 1/3 to 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• Ice

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Puree the ripe papaya with 3 cups of the water in a blender until smooth. Pour mixture into a 2-quart pitcher. Add enough of the remaining water to fill pitcher. Sweeten agua fresca with granulated sugar to taste.
2. Refrigerate agua fresca at least 2 hours before serving. Serve over ice. Enjoy!

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05 July 2017

Papaya Agua Fresca

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Iced Coffee Agua Fresca (Agua de Café) #ThrowbackThursday

Wake up your taste buds with this refreshing Iced Coffee Agua Fresca!

After updating my Chile de Huevo recipe back in June for #ThrowbackThursday, I thought it would be fun to make it a monthly series to show a little love to some of my older blog posts. This month we're showing love to my Iced Coffee Agua Fresca.

I've been a coffee drinker for as long as I can remember. When I was a little girl I liked waking up extra early with my grandparents because that meant one of them would make me a cup of Cafe con Leche to drink while they enjoyed their first cup of coffee of the day. Once I got a little older Gramm would make a simple Iced Coffee with instant coffee granules, water, milk, and sugar. Whenever she did, it was always a special treat that I absolutely loved.

06 August 2015

Iced Coffee Agua Fresca (Agua de Café) #ThrowbackThursday

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Mango Lime Agua Fresca

Last week when we got back from our annual Semana Santa camping trip, we came home with a ton of food because we ended up cutting our trip short by a whole day and a half. We brought home enough food that I didn't have to do my grocery shopping until the end of the week. Among the food we brought home that needed to be used up ASAP, were some very ripe mangos. Like too ripe to enjoy with salt, lime, and chile powder. So, we decided to make mango agua fresca.

It was a Sunday, so Hubby had time to lend me a hand in the kitchen. He peeled and cut the mangos, then pureed them in the blender with some water. All I had to do was add the sugar. But...when it came time to taste the agua fresca, I realized that one of the mangos was on the verge of spoiling. The good thing is that none of the mangos had actually spoiled. That would have been disastrous. To lighten that overly ripe mango taste, which can taste a little medicinal, I added a little fresh lime juice. (Lime juice is a great way to lighten strong flavors be it in an agua fresca or soup.) This resulted in a delicious and refreshing agua fresca, perfect for these it's-so-hot-it-feels-like-summer kind of days. My hubby loved this Mango Lime Agua Fresca so much he asked me to make it again for him this weekend, but with mangos that weren't so ripe.

29 April 2014

Mango Lime Agua Fresca

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Agua de Lima (Sweet Lime Agua Fresca)

Agua de Lima is a light and refreshing agua fresca made with sweet limes (citrus limetta).

Since moving to Mexico 15 years ago I have discovered (and fallen in love with) many new-to-me fruits native to Mexico like ciruelas amarillas (yellow plums), pitayas (fruit of the pipe organ cactus), and limas. Limas  are by far my favorite. Here in Mexico limas are a variety of citrus limetta (AKA sweet lemon/lime). Sweet limes have the distinct flavor and aroma of a citrus fruit, but without the acidity and tartness. In it's place is a subtle sweetness, hence the name "sweet lime". Although their flavor is subtle at first, it lingers on your tastebuds and in the back of your throat leaving you with a sweet and refreshing taste in your mouth.

06 May 2015

Agua de Lima (Sweet Lime Agua Fresca)

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Agua de Cuaresma

Cuaresma (Lent) is upon us!  That means Meat-Free Fridays will be making a comeback to my Cocina during the next 40+ days.  Some of the recipes I'll be sharing this year for Lent are...Tortitas de Camaron and Capirotada (Traditional Mexican Bread Pudding).   But for this first Friday of Cuaresma, I'm going to share a traditional Agua Fresca recipe that is near and dear not only to my Hubby's heart, but also to the hearts of generations past of this fair pueblito we call home.

15 February 2013

Agua de Cuaresma

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Agua Fresca de Plátano (Banana Agua Fresca)

Bananas are one of my family's favorite fruits, that never last too long on the kitchen counter. But occasionally I'll have a couple of bananas that have gotten to ripe for my family's taste, and instead of letting them go to waste, I use them to make my hubby's favorite agua fresca: Agua de Plátano. It's creamy, delicious, and oh so refreshing!

02 December 2009

Agua Fresca de Plátano (Banana Agua Fresca)

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Creamy Mango Colada Agua Fresca

Quench your thirst with this creamy agua fresca made with fresh mango and evaporated milk.

Because you can never have to many Agua Fresca recipes, and because anything mango is a sweet, warm weather treat... This Creamy Mango Colada Agua Fresca made with fresh mango and evaporated milk will delight your tastebuds.

06 April 2016

Creamy Mango Colada Agua Fresca

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Agua de Ciruela Amarilla {Yellow Plum Cooler}

Have you ever made something to eat or drink, not because you loved it, but because someone you really care about loves it?  Such has been the case with me and yesterday's mystery ingredient... Ciruelas Amarillas (Yellow Plums).  My hubby is crazy about them, especially in Agua de Ciruela Amarilla, but for years, I wanted nothing to do with them or the agua fresca.  (Gasp!)

12 June 2012

Agua de Ciruela Amarilla {Yellow Plum Cooler}

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Agua de Avena (Oat Horchata)

Agua de Avena is hands down my absolute, all-time favorite agua fresca. I could drink the stuff every day and never get bored. And I'm not one of those people that likes to eat (or drink) the same thing day after day. But Agua de Avena is so good, I would gladly drink it every day for the rest of my life. Agua de Avena is very similar to Horchata, a traditional Mexican agua fresca made with rice and cinnamon, hence why some people refer to this agua fresca as Horchata de Avena. Agua de Avena is made with oats, cinnamon, and sweetened condensed milk. If you like Horchata, you are going to love Agua de Avena.

04 October 2010

Agua de Avena (Oat Horchata)

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Agua de Sandía (Watermelon Agua Fresca)

Nothing says summer to me like a big slice of watermelon. It's the quintessential summer snack. It's sweet, refreshing and absolutely delicious. Hubby and the kiddies love to eat it with salt, lime juice, and chile Tajin (a ground chile powder). I prefer mine plain, but sometimes I'll add a little salt to mine just to mix it up a bit. But sometimes the watermelons are so big that we can't finish it all in one serving, so I chop it up into large pieces and save in the fridge to use another day. One of my favorite ways to use up the leftover watermelon is in Agua de Sandía (watermelon agua fresca). There really is nothing sweeter and more refreshing on a hot summer day than a tall glass of Agua de Sandía.

26 August 2010

Agua de Sandía (Watermelon Agua Fresca)

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Agua de Naranja (Orange Agua Fresca)

Refreshing agua fresca made with freshly squeezed orange and lime juice, and sweetened with honey.

I think of a more delicious way to combat cold and flu season than with this refreshing Agua de Naranja. And it's a great way to take advantage of the abundance of oranges that are in season right now.

19 February 2015

Agua de Naranja (Orange Agua Fresca)

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Agua de Guayaba (Guava Agua Fresca)

Aguas Frescas are a refreshing beverage traditionally served at lunch or dinner. But did you know that Aguas Frescas can also be served at breakfast? One of my favorite aguas frescas to serve with our morning meal is Agua de Guayaba (Guava). The distinct flavor of the guavas wakes you right up. And guavas are an excellent source of vitamic C.  Talk about a great way to start the day!

18 July 2011

Agua de Guayaba (Guava Agua Fresca)

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Agua de Tamarindo {She Made/Ella Hace}

For this month's installment of She Made / Ella Hace, Heather (Girlichef) and I are cooking with Tamarind.  Tamarindos are sweet and sour pod-like fruit used to make sauces, Ponche, and almibar (syrup) for Nieve Raspada.  But the most popular use for Tamarindos here in Mexico is in Agua de Tamarindo.  Can you believe that in the 3 years since I started this lil' blog, I have yet to post my recipe for Agua de Tamarindo?  Unbelievable!

Agua de Tamarindo is the only Agua Fresca I remember drinking during our visits to Mexico when I was a little kid.  As soon as we'd cross the border into Sonora, my grandpa would stop at the same tiny restaurant in el centro (downtown) for lunch.  I don't remember what we ate, but I do remember the sweet and tangy Agua de Tamarindo.  All these years later, Agua de Tamarindo is still one of my favorites.

Whenever I make Agua de Tamarindo, I have to buy double the amount of Tamarindo, because Hubby, the kiddies, and I all love to snack on it like candy.

28 March 2012

Agua de Tamarindo {She Made/Ella Hace}

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Mexican Chocolate Horchata

Mexican chocolate, cinnamon and rice combine together in a rich, decadent twist on a classic agua fresca.

Satisfy your sweet tooth and keep cool this summer with an ice cold glass of Mexican Chocolate Horchata. Mexican chocolate isn't just for atoles, Champurrado, and mole sauces. It can be used in cookies, custards, as well as countless other desserts, and even in refreshing aguas frescas. Two of my favorites being Agua de Chocolate (made without milk) and this Horchata de Chocolate, which tastes like cinnamon chocolate milk in a fun agua fresca that is way more refreshing.

12 May 2016

Mexican Chocolate Horchata

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18 Summer Beverages to Enjoy Before Fall {FOTMC Round-Up}

It's the last week of summer!  For some, that means that crisp, cool Autumn days have already made an appearance.  For others, it means we still have a few weeks of hot weather to tolerate.  Whether you're looking for a refreshing beverage to help you cool down, or are looking to hold on to summer for just a few more days, the Food of the Month Club round-up has a delightful collection of Summer Beverages that is the perfect way to say farewell to summer.

To get things started, my friend Maura from The Other Side of the Tortilla, introduces us to La Paloma, a "refreshing, classic Mexican cocktail", made with grapefruit juice and tequila.

Photo courtesy of The Other Side of the Tortilla

Next up we have a stunning Agua de Jamaica (Hibiscus Tea Water) from another foodie friend of mine, Bren Herrera from Flanboyant Eats.  This is a tart and delicious way to keep cool, "especially when it’s hot and humid out."  This beverage can also be enjoyed during the fall and winter thanks to the ginger, clove, and orange peel, whose flavors and aromas are perfect for the holidays. 

If you like Piña Coladas, then you'll love what Natalia from Comiendo en LA whipped up for us: Piña Coladas made with two kinds of rum, fresh pineapple, and whipped cream.

Natalia also shares her recipe for a rich and cool Banana-Coffee Frappe!

My BFF (best foodie friend) Girlichef served up this bright and sunny Pineapple-Vanilla Agua Fresca that looks and tastes like summer in a glass.

Girlichef also made Coconut Horchata, which combines everything you love about Horchata with the tropical flavor of coconut milk.

Eva from TechFoodLife offers us a delightful, summery twist to traditional lemonade with Watermelon Lemonade.

Ckay from Sweet and That's It gives us a delicious way to start our day with her Frulatto, a fruit and yogurt smoothie made with apples, banana, orange, and mango.

My friends from Peru Delights introduce us to Chicha Morada, a traditional Peruvian beverage made with purple corn, pineapple, apple, and quince, seasoned with cinnamon, cloves, and allspice.

Heather from Malice in Dunderland shares two creamy banana beverages:  Batido de Guineo (Banana Milk)

and Felicidad del Guineo, a banana slushie with with orange juice and coconut milk.

My other BFF, Vianney from Sweet Life, shares her Agua de Zanahoria y Piña (Carrot & Pineapple Cooler), that I'm sure will instantly become my hubby's new favorite Agua Fresca.

Vianney also treats us to two of her famous margaritas!  The first is a gorgeous cotton candy hued Plum Pineapple Margarita.

And the second is this sweet Prickly Pear Margarita that uses green tunas (prickly pears).

The girls from Muy Bueno Cookbook, whose first cookbook comes out next month, share their Agua de Piña recipe with us.

And finally my contribution to the Summer Beverages round-up: Agua de Frutas (Papaya, Guava & Apple Punch),

Shirley Temples,

and Banana Daiquiris.

As always, thank you so much to all who participated.  This is the biggest FOTMC turn-out we've ever had! If you would like to be included in the next Food of the Month Club Round-Up, we're cooking with apples this month.  See the announcement post for more details.




*All photos used with written and/or verbal permission of the participating bloggers.


  

18 September 2012

18 Summer Beverages to Enjoy Before Fall {FOTMC Round-Up}

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Agua de Frutas {Papaya, Guava & Apple Punch}

I have been wanting to share this recipe for a couple of weeks now, but with going back to teaching ESL and visiting with my sister-in-law and her family, who were here on vacation for three weeks, time kind of slipped away.  But this Agua de Frutas is too good not to share.  It's one of my favorite Agua Frescas to order at La Michoacana, our local ice cream shop.

03 August 2012

Agua de Frutas {Papaya, Guava & Apple Punch}

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Cucumber Limeade {Agua de Pepino}

No need to adjust your computer screens.  Today's recipe really is a Cucumber Limeade, also known as Agua de Pepino.

Now, I know that your all thinking that drinking a cucumber flavored beverage isn't something that appeals to you.  I felt the same way when I first heard of Agua de Pepino.  I remember thinking, "Cucumber water, really?  That's just wrong!"

But once I tasted it, I was completely won over by the refreshing combination of the two flavors, that just seem to complement each other so well.

Agua de Pepino is my go-to beverage when the temperatures and humidity are soaring.  I really hope you will give this recipe a try.   

Agua de Pepino

Ingredients:

• 1 large cucumber, peeled and cut in large chunks
• 3 limes or 6 key limes, cut in half
• 1-1/3 cups sugar
• Water
• Ice

Directions:
Place the cucumber in a blender cup.  Fill the blender cup with water.

Puree until smooth.

Strain the cucumber puree into a 4-quart pitcher. 

Rinse out the blender cup, if desired.  Place the lime halves in the blender cup.  I was only able to find small limes, so I used 6 of them.  But if you're lucky enough to find large limes, you'll only need three.

Fill the blender cup with water. 

Now, with this next step, you HAVE to follow directions, so read the instructions carefully.

You're only going to pulse the blender for 3 to 4 seconds.  (I've mentioned this trick before in my recipe for Easy Agua de Limon.)  If you puree it too long, you'll end up grinding up the white part of the zest, which will result in a very bitter agua fresca.  And we really don't want that to happen.

Strain the lime puree into the pitcher with the cucumber puree.  Add enough water to the pitcher to fill it.  Sweeten your Agua de Pepino with sugar.  Refrigerate until ready to use.

Before serving, wet the rim of your serving glasses with lime or lemon juice, then dip the rim in granulated sugar.  (This step is completely optional, but doesn't it look pretty?)

Serve with or without ice and garnish with a lime or cucumber slice.  Enjoy!!!

17 May 2011

Cucumber Limeade {Agua de Pepino}

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DIY Crema de Tequila

If you're a fan of Irish cream, then I have quite a treat for you. Crema de Tequila is Irish cream's Mexican cousin made with tequila, and a hint of chocolate and coffee. It's sweet, creamy, and super easy to make at home with just a handful of ingredients. Crema de Tequila is a rich and decadent dessert cocktail that can be served on ice, or add a splash to a steaming mug of hot coffee or a tall glass of Iced Coffee Agua Fresca for a grown-up treat. Double or even triple the recipe to give as gifts to family and friends.

04 September 2015

DIY Crema de Tequila

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