Agua fresca
 Two types of aguas frescas in a Mexican taqueria in Seattle. On the left is a jar of agua de flor de Jamaica, and on the right is horchata. | |
| Alternative names | "frescos", "aguas" |
|---|---|
| Type | non-alcoholic beverage |
| Place of origin | Mexico (Disputed) |
| Region or state | Latin America |
| Serving temperature | Cold |
| Main ingredients | Fruit, water, and sugar |
| Variations | Many variants, especially regional, with various ingredients and toppings |
Aguas frescas[1][2] (English: cool waters, lit. 'fresh waters') or frescos or aguas, are light non-alcoholic beverages made from one or more fruits, cereals, flowers, or seeds blended with sugar and water. The drinks are ladled from the jars into glasses. They are popular in many Latin American countries, as well as parts of the United States such as the Southwest and heavy-Latino population cities, such as Los Angeles. Some of the more common varieties include tamarindo, jamaica, and horchata.
Aguas frescas are sold by street vendors and are commonly found in convenience stores, restaurants and juice bars.[3]
History
[edit]The drink dates back to the Aztecs.[4]
Terminology
[edit]The terms aguas frescas is most common in Mexico, however, they are called "fresco" in Nicaragua and Honduras. Frescos refers to non-carbonated drinks, usually referring to traditional drinks, or those made from fruits. Some of them include fresco de Cacao, melon con naranja, chicha, pinolillo, and others.[5]
Aguas frescas could lead to confusion in some Spanish speaking countries, as they may refer to bottled soft drinks. In Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, and Panamá soft drinks are referred to as "frescos" (short for refresco), which in Mexico means soft drinks and in Nicaragua means aguas frescas. Soft drinks in Guatemala are called "aguas", short for aguas gaseosas, which could easily be confused with the Mexican aguas frescas or Nicaraguan soft drinks which are called gaseosas.[6]
Types
[edit]It is common to find aguas frescas in these flavors:
| Type | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Sweet fruits |
|
| Sour fruits | |
| Seeds |
|
| Cereals | |
| Flowers |
|
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Onstott, Jane (2010). National Geographic Traveler: Mexico. National Geographic Books. p. 36. ISBN 9781426205248.
aguas frescas national geographic.
- ^ "Aguas frescas, traditional Mexican beverages". El Universal. 14 September 2019. Retrieved 26 July 2020.
- ^ "Mexico's delicious fresh fruit drinks: Aguas frescas : Mexico Cuisine". mexconnect.com. Retrieved 26 July 2020.
- ^ Holland, Julia (13 April 2025). "The Ancient Roots Of Mexico's Refreshing Agua Fresca Drink". Tasting Table.
- ^ "Aguas Frescas | Local Non-alcoholic Beverage From Mexico". www.tasteatlas.com.
- ^ "Aguas Frescas Around Latin America". 23 September 2025.