Guava agua fresca

Ingredients

• 500 gguavas, quartered
• 150–200 gsugar, depending on the sweetness of the guavas
• 1.42 litres, dividedwater
• To tasteice

Instructions

1. 1

   Blend the guavas

   Put the guavas, sugar and 710 ml of the water into a blender or food processor. Blend until thoroughly combined.

2. 2

   Strain the drink

   Strain the mixture into a jug, then stir in the remaining water.

3. 3

   Adjust and serve

   Taste and adjust the sugar, add ice and serve straight away, or chill the drink in the fridge.

What is guava agua fresca?

Agua fresca is a light, fruit-based drink associated with Mexico and made by combining fruit, water and often a little sugar. This version uses guava, whose fragrant, sweet-tart flavour comes through clearly after blending and straining.

The short ingredient list keeps the fruit at the centre of the drink. Straining removes the seeds and pulp for a smoother, more refreshing result.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 86 calories, 1g protein, 41g carbs, 1g fat.

Most of the carbohydrates come from the sugar and the natural sugars in the guavas; the fruit also contributes fibre. The drink contains very little fat or protein, so serve it alongside a meal with a protein-rich food and vegetables for a more balanced plate.

Choosing the guavas

Ripe fruit: Choose guavas that smell aromatic and yield slightly when pressed. Their sweetness can vary, so taste the blended mixture before deciding whether it needs all the sugar.

Blending and straining

First blend: Start with only 710 ml of water so the fruit and sugar can blend into a concentrated mixture. Blend until no large pieces remain.

Fine strain: Pour the mixture through a colander into the jug. Pressing the pulp gently can help it drain, but avoid forcing too many seeds through.

Getting the sweetness right

Taste first: Guavas differ in sweetness, and the recipe allows 150–200 g of sugar for that reason. Begin at the lower end if the fruit is very ripe, then add more to suit your taste.

Dilute gradually: Stir in the remaining water after straining, then taste again. A little extra water can soften a drink that tastes too intense.

Serving it cold

Serve promptly: Add ice just before serving for a cold, refreshing drink. If making it ahead, chill it in the fridge and add ice to the glasses so the jug does not become diluted.

What to serve alongside

Pairing: Serve the agua fresca with savoury Mexican-inspired food, such as tacos, quesadillas or a simple lunch. Its fruity flavour also works well as a non-alcoholic option at a shared meal.

Recipe notes & tips

• Taste the guavas before blending to help choose how much sugar to use.
• Cut the guavas into quarters so they blend more readily.
• Blend thoroughly before straining to extract the fruit flavour.
• Add the remaining water gradually if you prefer a more concentrated drink.
• Keep the jug chilled and add ice to individual glasses just before serving.

Variations

• Lime: Add a squeeze of lime juice for a sharper finish.
• Mint: Add a few mint leaves when serving for a fresh herbal note.
• Less sweet: Start with 150 g of sugar and add more only after tasting.
• Sparkling: Replace some of the final water with chilled sparkling water just before serving.
• Mixed fruit: Blend in a little ripe pineapple alongside the guavas for a tropical variation.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Adding all the water at first: Blend with 710 ml first so the fruit combines evenly, then add the rest after straining.
• Skipping the straining: Pass the mixture through a colander to remove seeds and pulp for a smoother drink.
• Adding all the sugar without tasting: Guavas vary in sweetness, so begin with the smaller amount and adjust.
• Using too much ice in the jug: Add ice to glasses or chill the drink first to avoid watering it down.
• Serving it warm: Chill the jug in the fridge if you are not serving the drink immediately.

How to store

Store covered in the fridge and use within 2 days; stir before serving as the fruit may settle. Keep ice out of the jug until serving, and serve chilled rather than reheating.

Frequently asked questions