Equipment

• Pitcher
• Blender
• Knives
• Cutting board

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
• 4 cups cold water
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar, or to taste
• 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup milk of choice (whole milk, almond milk, or other)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Ice, for serving
• Fresh strawberry slices, for garnish

Instructions

1. Place the 2 cups of halved strawberries, 2 cups of the cold water, and the granulated sugar into a blender. Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth and bright red.
2. In a medium bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, the cup of milk you choose, and the vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Fill a large pitcher with ice and add the 1 cup of finely chopped strawberries. Pour in the blended strawberry purée, then gently pour the milk mixture over the top. Pour slowly to create a subtle layered look.
4. Stir the agua fresca to combine the fruit and milk layers. Taste and adjust the sweetness or consistency: add more water to thin it, or more condensed milk for extra sweetness and creaminess.
5. Serve immediately in tall glasses over extra ice. Garnish each glass with fresh strawberry slices and enjoy while cold.

Notes & Tips

• Use ripe, sweet strawberries for the best natural flavor. If strawberries are tart, increase the sugar slightly to balance them.
• Adjust the sugar and the amount of water to match your preference for sweetness and intensity. Start with less sugar and add more if needed.
• For a colder drink, chill the blended strawberry mixture and milk mixture separately for 30 minutes before assembling.
• Choose whole milk for a richer texture, or almond/coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Evaporated and condensed milk give this version its signature creamy, slightly caramelized sweetness.
• If you prefer a smoother texture without fruit bits, strain the blended strawberry purée through a fine sieve before combining it with the milk.

Variations & Serving Ideas

Try adding a squeeze of lime for a bright contrast, or a few fresh basil leaves for a fragrant twist. For a boozy summer cocktail, add a splash of rum or tequila to individual servings. To make this recipe lighter, swap the sweetened condensed milk for a smaller amount of honey or agave and use low-fat milk.

Storage

Store any leftover agua fresca in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Give it a quick stir before serving, as separation may occur. Avoid freezing because the milks will change texture when thawed.

Final Thoughts

This creamy strawberry agua fresca is an easy, crowd-pleasing drink that combines the bright flavor of fresh strawberries with the comforting richness of three milks. It’s perfect for warm weather gatherings, family dinners, or when you want a nostalgic dessert drink that’s quick to prepare.