Creamy Strawberry Agua Fresca

This Creamy Strawberry Agua Fresca is a dairy-free version of the deliciously refreshing Mexican drink. In this recipe, only 4 simple ingredients, including fresh strawberries, are blended together for a sweet, smooth, and frothy agua de fresa .

The warm weather is upon us, and with it my desire for tasty, refreshing drinks. My favorites are definitely cool aguas frescas, like Agua de Sandia, Pineapple Agua Fresca, and Cucumber Lime Agua Fresca.

I particularly like today's recipe because this strawberry version is not only sweet and cooling but has a deliciously creamy texture and can be customized to your liking.

Jump to:

• What are Aguas Frescas?
• Why You'll Love This Recipe
• The Ingredients
• How to Choose Ripe Strawberries
• How to Wash Strawberries
• How to Make Creamy Agua de Fresa
• Tips and Variations
• FAQ
• Recipe

What are Aguas Frescas?

The term "aguas frescas" literally means fresh waters. These drinks are extremely popular in Mexico and consist of fresh fruit, cereals, flowers or seeds blended with sugar and water to create a refreshing type of juice.

Like other aguas frescas, strawberry agua fresca (or agua de fresa in Spanish), can be enjoyed year round but are more common in the warm months when most fruit is in season and are also a great way cool down.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Easy and Minimal Ingredients: Not only is this agua fresca easy to make, but it only requires 4 ingredients.
• Wholesome Ingredients: The recipe uses wholesome, good-for-you ingredients.
• Creamy Texture: After blending you will have an irresistibly smooth, creamy, and frothy drink.
• Dairy-Free: Traditional creamy agua de fresa is made with evaporated milk, but this recipe uses a dairy-free creamer which adds great flavor and a creamy consistency.
• Customizable: Make it with dairy or dairy-free, make it sweeter or make it creamier, I have included many ways to customize this drink.

For another refreshing drink featuring strawberries, check out this Limonada de Fresa or the classic Agua de Fresa.

The Ingredients

• Strawberries: Ripe strawberries will yield the sweetest, most flavorful result without the need of too much added sweetener. Check the section "How to Choose Ripe Strawberries" below for tips.
• Sweetener: I prefer to use unrefined sugars, such as monk fruit sweetener, honey, coconut sugar or agave nectar, which are a little less processed and retain more minerals. However, you can use white sugar if you prefer.
• Dairy-Free Creamer: Nutpods is a dairy-free creamer made of a combination of almonds and coconut cream. I like to use the original Nutpods flavor to add a silky, creamy texture to the agua fresca. If you are unable to find this creamer, you can use full-fat coconut milk instead.
• Cold Water: I prefer filtered, cold water for a smoother taste. Cold water is key so that you don't have to add much ice in the end and it will also help your drink cool down faster in the refrigerator.
• Ground Cinnamon (optional): Sometimes I like to add a dash of cinnamon which adds another level of flavor.

See recipe card for quantities.

Substitutions

If dairy isn't a problem for you, you can use evaporated milk in place of the Nutpods.

For another dairy version, skip the sweetener and use sweetened condensed milk instead. Start with about ¼ cup and add more as needed for sweetness.

Use coconut cream instead of Nutpods or coconut milk for an even creamier result. Just note that you may need to add a bit more water if the end result is too thick.

Nutpods also sells a French vanilla flavor that goes great with this recipe too.

Use my code EVERYDAYLATINA to get 15% off your first order of Nutpods on nutpods.com.

How to Choose Ripe Strawberries

Strawberries are in season from late spring to early summer, buying strawberries during this time will give you the best flavor and sweetness. Here are some tips to help you pick the best strawberries whether in season or not:

• Choose strawberries that are a bright red color with no white or green spots.
• Check that they are firm but slightly soft to the touch.
• Do not choose strawberries that are mushy or have any soft spots, as this indicates they are overripe.
• Ripe strawberries should have a sweet and fragrant smell.
• It is better to select strawberries that are medium to large in size. Smaller ones may not be very sweet, while larger ones can be overripe and mushy.

How to Wash Strawberries

Now before we get into the recipe, I want to note how important it is to wash your strawberries thoroughly.

Strawberries continually show up on the "Dirty Dozen" list. This list includes fruits and vegetables that contain high levels of pesticides.  Because of this, it is highly recommended to purchase organic strawberries. Yet whether you're buying organic or non-organic, it is a good idea to give them a good wash. Here is a great method to wash your strawberries:

1. Fill a large bowl with cold water.
2. Add ¼ cup of distilled white vinegar.
3. Gently move them around to make sure all the strawberries are cleaned.
4. Let soak for about 5 minutes.
5. Drain and rinse the fruit in a colander.

Now your strawberries are ready to use, so let's make some agua fresca.

1. Cut Strawberries

• Once the strawberries are washed, remove the stems.
• Cut the strawberries into fourths.

2. Add Ingredients to Blender

• Add strawberries to the blender.
• Also add water, sweetener, creamer or coconut milk, and cinnamon (if using).

3. Blend

• Blend everything until smooth.
• If you like you can strain the agua fresca using a fine mesh sieve, but it is not necessary.
• Serve.

How to Serve

Pour the drink into a pitcher or bottle and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour until cold. You can also serve over ice and garnish with pieces of strawberry.

How to Store

This strawberry water is best served immediately after making it, but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Store in a glass jar with a lid or other air-tight container.

Tips and Variations

• Adjust Sweetness to Your Liking: You may need to adjust the amount of sweetener based on the sweetness of your strawberries. Taste the mixture before adding the creamer and adjust the sweetener to your liking.
• Use Ripe Strawberries: To ensure the best tasting agua fresca without having to add too much sweetener, be sure to choose strawberries that are ripe. It is also best to buy strawberries when they are in season.
• Blend Thoroughly: You will achieve the creamiest and frothiest texture if you blend for at least 2-3 minutes.

FAQ

More Fruit Recipes

• Sweetened Condensed Milk Fruit Salad
• Dairy-Free Strawberry-Coconut Cream Paletas
• Banana Almond Butter Ice Cream

I hope you enjoy! If you try this recipe, please leave me a comment with a star rating below. Also, be sure to follow me on Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest to stay in touch, and don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter.

Recipe

Originally published May 27, 2021. Updated post and photos April 2023.