Agua Fresca de Fresas con Crema, a beloved Mexican beverage, translates to “Strawberry Water with Cream.” It’s the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and creamy, making it an incredibly refreshing drink for hot summer days, a delightful addition to any brunch spread, or simply a treat to brighten your afternoon. This isn’t just a drink; it’s an experience, a taste of sunshine in a glass. Unlike a smoothie, agua fresca is lighter and more refreshing, relying on the natural flavors of the fruit rather than a thick consistency.
This recipe elevates the classic strawberry agua fresca by incorporating the richness of cream, creating a decadent yet surprisingly light beverage. The addition of cream transforms the drink into something truly special, adding a touch of indulgence that makes it irresistible. We’ll guide you through each step, ensuring you create the perfect Agua Fresca de Fresas con Crema every time.
**Why This Recipe Works**
* **Balance of Flavors:** The combination of sweet strawberries, tangy lime juice, and rich cream creates a perfectly balanced flavor profile that is both refreshing and satisfying.
* **Adjustable Sweetness:** This recipe allows you to adjust the sweetness level to your personal preference, ensuring the drink is perfectly suited to your taste.
* **Simple Ingredients:** With just a few readily available ingredients, you can whip up this delicious drink in minutes.
* **Versatile:** Enjoy it as a refreshing beverage, a light dessert, or even as a unique addition to cocktails.
**Ingredients You’ll Need**
* **Fresh Strawberries (2 pounds):** Choose ripe, juicy strawberries for the best flavor. Look for berries that are bright red, plump, and fragrant.
* **Heavy Cream (1 cup):** Adds richness and creaminess to the drink. You can substitute with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative for a lighter version.
* **Sweetened Condensed Milk (1/2 cup):** Provides sweetness and helps to create a smooth, creamy texture. Adjust the amount to your desired sweetness level.
* **Lime Juice (2 tablespoons):** Adds a touch of tartness that balances the sweetness of the strawberries and condensed milk. Freshly squeezed lime juice is highly recommended.
* **Water (4-6 cups):** Used to dilute the mixture to your desired consistency. Start with 4 cups and add more as needed.
* **Ice (as needed):** Keeps the agua fresca cold and refreshing.
* **Optional Garnishes:** Fresh mint sprigs, sliced strawberries, lime wedges
**Equipment**
* **Blender:** A high-speed blender is ideal for creating a smooth and consistent texture.
* **Large Pitcher or Jar:** For mixing and serving the agua fresca.
* **Fine-Mesh Strainer (optional):** To remove any seeds or pulp for a smoother texture.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measurements.
* **Knife and Cutting Board:** For preparing the strawberries.
**Step-by-Step Instructions**
Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect Agua Fresca de Fresas con Crema:
**Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries**
* Rinse the strawberries thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
* Hull the strawberries by removing the green leafy tops. A paring knife or a strawberry huller can be used for this purpose.
* Cut the strawberries into smaller pieces. This will help the blender process them more efficiently.
**Step 2: Blend the Ingredients**
* In the blender, combine the prepared strawberries, heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and lime juice.
* Add 4 cups of water to the blender. You can adjust the amount of water later to achieve your desired consistency.
* Blend the mixture on high speed until it is completely smooth. This should take about 1-2 minutes, depending on the power of your blender.
**Step 3: Strain the Mixture (Optional)**
* If you prefer a smoother texture without any seeds or pulp, strain the blended mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a large pitcher or jar.
* Use a spoon or spatula to press the mixture against the strainer, extracting as much liquid as possible.
* Discard the remaining pulp and seeds.
**Step 4: Adjust Consistency and Sweetness**
* Taste the agua fresca and adjust the consistency and sweetness to your liking.
* If the mixture is too thick, add more water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
* If the mixture is not sweet enough, add more sweetened condensed milk, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired sweetness level.
* If the mixture is too sweet, add a squeeze of lime juice to balance the flavors.
**Step 5: Chill and Serve**
* Add ice to the pitcher or jar.
* Stir well to combine.
* Chill the agua fresca in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the drink to become even more refreshing.
* Serve the Agua Fresca de Fresas con Crema in glasses filled with ice.
* Garnish with fresh mint sprigs, sliced strawberries, or lime wedges, if desired.
**Tips for the Perfect Agua Fresca**
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of your agua fresca. Choose ripe, juicy strawberries and fresh lime juice for the best results.
* **Adjust Sweetness to Taste:** Sweetened condensed milk adds a significant amount of sweetness to the drink. Start with the recommended amount and adjust according to your personal preference. You can also use other sweeteners, such as sugar or honey, but be sure to dissolve them completely before serving.
* **Control the Consistency:** The amount of water you add will determine the consistency of the agua fresca. Start with less water and add more until you reach your desired consistency. Remember that the mixture will thicken slightly as it chills.
* **Don’t Over-Blend:** Over-blending can result in a frothy texture. Blend the mixture just until it is smooth.
* **Strain for a Smoother Texture:** If you prefer a smoother texture, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any seeds or pulp. This step is optional but can make a noticeable difference in the final result.
* **Chill Thoroughly:** Chilling the agua fresca before serving allows the flavors to meld together and the drink to become even more refreshing. Chill for at least 30 minutes, or longer if possible.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** While this recipe focuses on strawberries and cream, you can easily experiment with other fruits and flavor combinations. Try adding other berries, such as raspberries or blueberries, or a touch of vanilla extract or cinnamon.
* **Make it Dairy-Free:** For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or another dairy-free alternative. Be sure to choose an unsweetened option to avoid making the drink too sweet.
**Variations and Add-Ins**
* **Strawberry Basil Agua Fresca:** Add a few fresh basil leaves to the blender for a refreshing herbal twist.
* **Spicy Strawberry Agua Fresca:** Add a pinch of chili powder or a small piece of jalapeño to the blender for a spicy kick.
* **Strawberry Coconut Agua Fresca:** Replace the heavy cream with coconut cream for a tropical flavor.
* **Strawberry Vanilla Agua Fresca:** Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the blender for a warm, comforting flavor.
* **Boozy Strawberry Agua Fresca:** Add a shot of tequila or rum to each glass for a festive cocktail.
* **Agua Fresca Popsicles:** Pour the agua fresca mixture into popsicle molds and freeze for a refreshing frozen treat.
* **Agua Fresca with Chia Seeds:** Add a tablespoon of chia seeds to the pitcher for added nutrients and a slightly thickened texture. Let the chia seeds soak for at least 15 minutes before serving.
**Serving Suggestions**
* **Brunch:** Serve Agua Fresca de Fresas con Crema as a refreshing addition to your brunch spread. It pairs well with sweet and savory dishes alike.
* **Picnics:** Pack a pitcher of agua fresca for your next picnic. It’s the perfect way to stay hydrated and refreshed on a hot day.
* **Parties:** Agua Fresca de Fresas con Crema is a crowd-pleasing beverage that is perfect for parties and gatherings. Serve it in a large pitcher with plenty of ice and garnishes.
* **Dessert:** Enjoy a glass of agua fresca as a light and refreshing dessert after a meal.
* **Snack:** Sip on agua fresca as a healthy and refreshing snack throughout the day.
**Storage Instructions**
* Store leftover Agua Fresca de Fresas con Crema in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* It will keep for up to 2-3 days.
* The mixture may separate slightly upon standing, so be sure to stir well before serving.
* You can also freeze the agua fresca in popsicle molds for a longer-lasting treat.
**Nutritional Information (Approximate)**
* Calories: Approximately 150-200 per serving (depending on the amount of sweetened condensed milk used)
* Fat: Approximately 8-12 grams per serving (depending on the type of cream used)
* Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-30 grams per serving (depending on the amount of sweetened condensed milk used)
* Protein: Approximately 2-3 grams per serving
**Conclusion**
Agua Fresca de Fresas con Crema is a delightful and refreshing beverage that is perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can create this delicious drink in minutes. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing way to cool down on a hot day, a delightful addition to your brunch spread, or simply a treat to brighten your afternoon, Agua Fresca de Fresas con Crema is sure to please. So, gather your ingredients, follow our tips, and enjoy a taste of sunshine in a glass! This recipe is easily adaptable to your taste, making it a beverage you’ll want to make again and again. Experiment with variations, add your favorite fruits, and create your signature Agua Fresca. The possibilities are endless! Enjoy the refreshing taste of homemade goodness. From our kitchen to yours, happy blending!
