Description
A refreshing blend of sweet strawberries and unique prickly pear, perfect for a hot day. This easy-to-make agua fresca is a delicious and hydrating treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled
- 2 medium prickly pears, peeled and seeded (about 1 cup of pulp)
- 6 cups cold water, divided
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (or to taste)
- Juice of 1 lime
- Ice cubes, for serving
- Optional: Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Prickly Pear Pulp: Inspect prickly pears for spines, remove them with tongs or singe off with a kitchen torch. Peel the prickly pears by slicing off the ends and making a lengthwise cut. Peel back the skin. Blend the peeled prickly pear pulp with 1 cup of water for a few seconds to loosen the seeds. Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth. Press down on the solids to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the seeds and pulp left in the sieve. You should have about 1 cup of prickly pear pulp or juice.
- Prepare the Strawberry Puree: Rinse strawberries and remove the green hulls. Place hulled strawberries in a blender or food processor. Add 1 cup of water. Blend until completely smooth. Strain the strawberry puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any remaining seeds (optional).
- Combine and Sweeten: In a large pitcher, combine the strawberry puree, prickly pear pulp (or juice), and the remaining 4 cups of cold water. Add the sugar and lime juice. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the agua fresca and adjust the sweetness and tartness to your liking. Add more sugar if too tart, or more lime juice if too sweet.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (preferably 1-2 hours) to allow the flavors to meld. Fill glasses with ice. Pour the strawberry prickly pear agua fresca over the ice. Garnish with fresh mint sprigs, if desired.
Notes
- Sweetness: Adjust sugar to taste based on the sweetness of the fruit. Other sweeteners like honey or agave can be used.
- Frozen Fruit: Frozen strawberries or prickly pears can be used if fresh are unavailable. Thaw before blending.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili powder or a small piece of jalapeño (seeds removed) when pureeing the strawberries.
- Bubbly: Top each glass with club soda or sparkling water for a sparkling agua fresca.
- Herbs: Infuse with herbs like basil or rosemary while chilling.
- Cocktail: Add a shot of tequila or vodka to each glass for a cocktail version.
- Storage: Store leftover agua fresca in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes