There’s nothing more refreshing for warm days than an agua fresca Mexican style (fresh fruit drinks). It’s a fantastic healthy beverage alternative to accompany a family casual dinner, an outdoor lunch or just to keep you fresh and hydrated on a hot summer day.
Thanks to the great native variety of fresh fruit available in Mexico – it also happens in Australia -, this non-alcoholic drink is very popular there. It makes its appearance in markets, where they are sold by street vendors; restaurants, and many Mexican homes.
Back home in Mexico, my Mum used to make aguas frescas everyday especially during lunch time, which is the main meal of the day and is around 2 or 3pm, quite different than here in Australia.
Although the number of agua fresca flavors are countless (every town and state in Mexico has its own traditional agua fresca), some of the most popular are: watermelon, orange, tamarind, guava, hibiscus flower, and horchata.
My all-time favorite is horchata flavor (or-chaa-tah), which is made from ground rice, almonds and cinnamon essence. It’s absolutely yummy!
But there is definitely a classic and that one is agua fresca de limon (Fresh lemonade). So simple and delicious!
If we combine lime, cucumber (yes, even vegetables can be used) and chia seed it will not just be exquisite but also a very healthy drink that you can easily make at home.
Fast and easy to make
To make this Mexican style beverage recipe, you only need 5 easy to source ingredients: cucumbers, limes, water, chia seeds and sugar (optional), and only 3 steps preparation.
The result will be a super fresh, slightly citrusy natural drink that will be even more delicious if it’s serve with plenty of ice during summer time. As it contains lots of vitamin C from limes, it’s also a great healthy beverage recipe for winter.
This cucumber & lime agua fresca is full of flavor, vitamins and nutrients. Without adding sugar it’s considered a diuretic drink due to the lemon and cucumber detoxifying properties.
Chia seeds provide this drink with an extra nutrient kick. These tiny seeds, natively grown in Mexico, are very high in Omega 3 fatty acids and other nutrients that are considered to have important benefits for your health.
I personally find chia seeds quite difficult to digest (I have lazy intestines). If you have the same problem as me, just skip this ingredient. The flavor won’t be modified and it’ll still a very enjoyable and nutritious beverage.
This natural Mexican style drink is great for kids. They love it and it will helps boost your child’s immune system. Isn’t it fabulous?
Hints & tips: Worry about your sugar intake? Choose a healthy alternative to sugar such as molasses, honey or coconut sugar. By making your own food and drinks at home, you can always adjust recipes and select the option that suits you best.
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Have a good one!
- 1 large peeled, de-seeded cucumber, diced into cubes. (Any type of cucumber can be used)
- 2 lime juice
- 1 Lt filtered water
- ¼ cup organic sugar or a healthy alternative (molasses, coconut sugar, honey)
- ¼ cup organic chia seed (optional)
- Blend all ingredients (except chia seeds) until smoothly combined; it takes around 3 minutes at high speed.
- Transfer to a large jar. Add chia seeds and refrigerate before serving for at least 20 min.
- Serve with lot of ice in large glasses. Enjoy!