Refreshing Guava and Strawberry Agua Fresca Recipe

For the Agua Fresca:

• 6
  fresh guavas, roughly chopped
• 1
  cup
  fresh strawberries, hulled and roughly chopped
• 2
  tbsp
  guava jam or fruit spread
• 6
  cups
  cold water, divided
• ½
  – ¾ cup sugar or agave, to taste
• 2
  tbsp
  fresh lime juice

For Serving:

• Ice
• Fresh guava slices, for garnish
• Fresh chopped strawberries, for garnish
• Lime wheels, for garnish

• Place the chopped guavas, chopped strawberries, guava jam, sugar (or agave), fresh lime juice, and 2 cups of cold water into a blender. Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth and the fruit is fully puréed.
• Pour the blended purée through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press firmly on the solids so you extract as much juice and flavor as possible. Discard the remaining pulp and seeds.
• Add the remaining 4 cups of cold water to the strained juice and stir to combine. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed — add a little more sugar or agave if you prefer a sweeter drink, or a splash more lime for brightness. Keep in mind that chilling will slightly mute sweetness.
• Chill the agua fresca in the refrigerator until very cold, at least 30 minutes. Serve over ice and garnish with guava slices, chopped strawberries, and lime wheels. Stir gently before serving if the mixture has settled.

• The spoonful of guava jam deepens the guava flavor and adds body so you don’t need to rely solely on extra granulated sugar. If you don’t have guava jam, a mild peach or apricot jam can be used in a pinch, but guava jam gives the most authentic flavor.
• When straining, press the solids firmly through the sieve to capture every bit of juice and aroma. This results in a smoother, brighter agua fresca without gritty bits from the seeds or pulp.
• Taste the mixture before chilling and err on the side of a touch sweeter than you think. Cold temperatures dull sweetness, so a slightly sweeter pre-chill taste will balance out once the drink is fully chilled.
• Make the agua fresca a few hours ahead of serving; as it rests in the fridge the flavors meld and mellow, producing a more rounded and enjoyable drink than one served immediately after blending.
• Variations and substitutions: Swap part or all of the water for sparkling water right before serving for a fizzy version. Replace strawberries with raspberries or a handful of watermelon for a different fruit profile. For a lighter option, reduce the added sweetener and rely more on the ripe fruit’s natural sugars.
• Serving suggestions: This agua fresca pairs beautifully with grilled foods, light salads, tacos, and spicy dishes—its sweetness and acidity help refresh the palate. Serve in tall glasses with plenty of ice and fresh fruit garnishes for a visually appealing pitcher.
• Storage: Keep the agua fresca refrigerated in a sealed pitcher or container. For best flavor and freshness, enjoy within 1–2 days. Stir before serving, as separation may occur.
• Scaling: The recipe scales easily—multiply ingredients to serve larger crowds. If increasing volumes, blend in batches to ensure even texture, then combine and chill together in a larger container.

Keywords: Guava Strawberry Agua Fresca, agua fresca recipe, guava drink, strawberry refresher, summer beverage, fresh fruit drink.