Traditionally made with fresh fruits and water, agua frescas are refreshing drinks that have been popular in Mexico for centuries. This Mango Agua Fresca combines only 4 ingredients, including sweet, juicy mangoes, for a vibrant and nutritious drink that's perfect for the summer. Easy to prepare and amazingly refreshing, you'll want to make this tropical agua de mango all season long.
Mangos are one of my favorite fruits. Most of the time, I like to just peel a deliciously ripe mango and eat it with a sprinkle of Tajin.
In addition, these tropical fruits are an amazing complement to fresh, savory dishes such as Shrimp Aguachile with Mango or Mango Pico de Gallo. They are also incredible in sweet treats like Sweetened Condensed Milk Fruit Salad and refreshingly delicious in today's agua fresca recipe.
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What is Mango Agua Fresca?
Agua fresca, which literally translates to fresh waters in Spanish, refers to a refreshing drink made with water and fruit, flowers, grains or seeds. The drinks are typically non-alcoholic and common throughout Mexico.
You'll find them sold by street vendors, at markets, and in restaurants, but aguas frescas are also incredibly easy to make at home, making them a popular choice in many households.
In today's recipe, mangos are blended with water and optional sweeteners for a refreshing drink that is widely enjoyed throughout the hot summer months.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This recipe is easy to make and only requires 4 simple ingredients.
- Refreshing: Cooling and hydrating, the perfect choice for the hot weather.
- Tropical Flavor: This mango water has a sweet, juicy, tropical flavor that's absolutely irresistible.
- Versatile: This agua fresca can be customized in a variety of ways. Check out the "Tips and Variations" section at the bottom of the post for ideas on how to customize it.
- Nutritious: Mangos are rich in dietary fiber, vitamin A, and vitamin C. They also contain antioxidants and other beneficial compounds.
If you like agua frescas, be sure to try other refreshing flavors like Agua de Melon, Agua de Sandia, Creamy Strawberry Agua Fresca or Strawberry Mango Agua Fresca.
Ingredients
- Mango: The key to the best agua fresca is choosing ripe mangos. However, I do prefer honey mangos, also known as Ataulfo, because of their smooth, buttery texture and sweet, tropical flavor. Their richness and sweetness make them a great option for agua fresca.
- Water: I like to use filtered, cold water for a smoother taste. Cold water keeps you from having to add too much ice in the end and it will also help your drink cool down faster in the refrigerator.
- Sweetener (Optional): Depending on the ripeness and sweetness of the mangos, you may or may not need to add sweetener. You can use regular sugar or a natural sweetener like honey, coconut sugar or agave syrup.
- Ice: Serve the agua fresca over ice.
See recipe card for quantities.
Substitutions
Feel free to use whichever type of mango you can find, just remember to select ripe mangos for the best flavor.
How to Pick a Ripe Mango
Peak mango season is from May through September. Buying mangos during this time will give you the best flavor and sweetness. Here are some tips to help you pick a ripe mango:
- Choose mangos that are a bright, vibrant color such as a deep yellow, orange or red. Avoid mangos with a mainly green color as they may not be fully ripe.
- Ripe mangos are not rock-hard but should yield slightly to gentle pressure. However, If it feels overly soft or mushy, it may be overripe or spoiled.
- A ripe mango will have a strong, sweet aroma near the stem end.
Vitamix Blender
I use my high-powered Vitamix every day. It blends so well and is perfect for making aguas frescas.
How to Make Agua de Mango
1. Prepare Mangos: Peel the mangos and remove the flesh from the pit. I like to use a potato peeler or watch this quick video for another great method. Then, cut the mango into chunks.
2. Blend: Add cold, filtered water to a blender. Place the mango pieces in the blender. Blend for 2 minutes until smooth.
3. Strain: Strain using a fine mesh sieve to get rid of any fibrous pulp that may have been left behind. Keep in mind that some types of mangos tend to be more fibrous than others so straining this agua fresca is always a good idea.
4. Sweeten: Taste and mix in the sweetener of choice if needed. Chill and 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 mangos.
How to Store
Aguas frescas are best when freshly made. However, you can store in an air-tight bottle or other container for up to 3 days for the best taste and quality.
The pulp will settle at the bottom so give the bottle a quick shake or stir before serving.
Tips and Variations
- Taste before adding sweetener so you don't add too much. I recommend starting with a tablespoon or two, mixing and tasting again to ensure it's not too sweet.
- Rim your glass with lime juice or chamoy and Tajin chile powder for a delicious, spicy addition.
- Blend with lime juice and/or garnish with mint leaves for another variation.
- Replace half of the water with coconut water to add a bit more tropical flavor and even more hydration benefits.
FAQ
Like any other agua fresca, this agua de mango is best enjoyed the day it is made. However, you can make it ahead of time, but do not store for longer than 2-3 days or it'll lose its freshness and flavor.
Yes, just be sure that the frozen mangos are thawed before blending.
Ripe mangoes are recommended for their sweetness, consistency and flavor. However, you can use slightly unripe mangoes which will lead to a more tangy result.
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
Mango Agua Fresca
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 ripe honey mangos see notes
- 5 cups filtered, cold water
- 2 tablespoon sweetener of choice (plus more if needed) see notes
- ice
Instructions
- Peel the mangos and remove the flesh from the pit. Cut the mango into chunks.
- Add cold, filtered water and the mango pieces to a blender.
- Blend for 2 minutes until smooth.
- Strain using a fine mesh sieve to get rid of any fibrous pulp that may have been left behind.
- Taste and add your sweetener of choice if needed. Start with a tablespoon or two, mixing and tasting again to ensure it's not too sweet.
- Pour the drink into a pitcher or bottle and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour until cold.
- Serve over ice.
Notes
- I prefer honey mangos, also known as Ataulfo, because of their smooth, buttery texture and sweet, tropical flavor. However, feel free to use whichever type of mango you can find, just remember to select ripe mangos for the best flavor.
- Depending on the ripeness and sweetness of the mangos, you may or may not need to add sweetener. If needed, you can use regular sugar or a natural sweetener like honey, coconut sugar, or agave syrup.
Martha
This was easy and refreshing. I love anything mango, so this was perfection.
Gemma
I love mangos too so it make this agua fresca such a treat!