Mango Agua Fresca

Ingredients

• 450 g (3 cups)mango
• 240 ml (1 cup)water
• 1lime, juice only
• as neededice cubes

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the mango

   Peel and roughly dice the mango. Put it in a blender with the water and lime juice.

2. 2

   Blend until smooth

   Blend until smooth. Add more lime juice if you like, or increase the water for a thinner drink.

3. 3

   Serve chilled

   Pour over ice cubes, or keep the agua fresca in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve it.

What is mango agua fresca?

Agua fresca is a fruit-based drink associated with Mexico and made by blending fruit with water. This mango version keeps the method simple, with lime adding a bright edge to the fruit’s sweetness.

Blending the fruit rather than simply flavouring water gives the drink a soft, smooth body. It is easy to adjust to suit your preferred balance of fruit, tartness and water.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 79 calories, 1g protein, 20g carbs, 1g fat.

Most of the carbohydrate in each serving comes from the mango, while the water and lime add very little energy; this drink provides little protein or fat. Pair it with a meal containing a protein-rich food and vegetables for a more balanced plate.

Choosing the mango

Ripe mango: choose fruit that gives slightly when pressed and smells fragrant near the stem. It should blend smoothly and provide plenty of natural sweetness.

Firm mango: if yours is less ripe, it may need extra blending to become smooth. Taste the drink before serving and adjust the lime to balance its flavour.

Getting the texture right

Smooth blend: blend until there are no noticeable pieces of fruit. Pause to scrape down the sides if mango is stuck above the blades.

Thinner drink: add water gradually and blend again until it reaches the consistency you want. Adding it in stages makes it easier to avoid watering down the mango flavour.

Balancing mango and lime

Mango first: the fruit is the main flavour, so start with the listed water and lime before making changes. A ripe mango may need less extra lime than a tarter one.

Lime last: taste after blending and add more juice a little at a time if you want a sharper finish. Blend briefly to incorporate it.

Serving it cold

Over ice: pour the drink over ice just before serving for a chilled, refreshing glass. Ice will gradually dilute it, so keep that in mind if you prefer a fuller fruit flavour.

Make ahead: you can refrigerate the blended drink until serving. Stir it before pouring, as the mixture may separate slightly while it stands.

What to serve alongside

With food: serve it with tacos, quesadillas or other savoury Mexican-inspired dishes for a fruity contrast. It also works well as a non-alcoholic option at a casual meal.

For a snack: pair a glass with fresh fruit or a small savoury bite. Its smooth, sweet-tart flavour suits both simple snacks and a shared spread.

Recipe notes & tips

• Use a ripe mango for the smoothest texture and fullest fruit flavour.
• Cut the mango into rough pieces that are small enough for your blender to handle easily.
• Add extra water in small amounts so you can control the thickness.
• Taste the blended drink before adding more lime juice.
• Stir the agua fresca before serving if it has been refrigerated.

Variations

• Add mint: blend in a few fresh mint leaves for a herbal note.
• Use sparkling water: replace some of the still water just before serving for a lively finish.
• Add chilli: serve with a small pinch of chilli for a gentle heat.
• Mix the fruit: blend mango with a little pineapple for a tropical variation.
• Make it tarter: add lime juice gradually until the flavour is as sharp as you like.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using underripe mango: it can taste less sweet and blend less readily; choose fruit that gives slightly when pressed.
• Adding too much water at once: the mango flavour can become diluted; pour it in gradually and blend between additions.
• Skipping the taste check: mangoes vary in sweetness; taste the drink and adjust the lime before serving.
• Serving without chilling: the flavours are less refreshing warm; serve over ice or refrigerate first.
• Leaving it unstirred: the drink may separate as it stands; stir it before pouring.

How to store

Keep the agua fresca covered in the refrigerator and use it within 2 days for the freshest flavour. Stir before serving; it is best served cold rather than reheated.

Frequently asked questions