Agua de Kiwi

Ingredients

• 4kiwi fruit, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1.9 L (8 cups)room-temperature water
• 50 g (1/4 cup)sugar
• 1lemon, juiced
• for servingice

Instructions

1. 1

   Blend the kiwi

   Put the kiwi chunks in a blender with the lemon juice and 475 ml (2 cups) of the water.

2. 2

   Blend until smooth

   Blend the mixture until it is smooth and creamy.

3. 3

   Add the water

   Pour the blended mixture into a large pitcher and stir in the remaining water.

4. 4

   Sweeten the drink

   Add the sugar and mix well. Taste the drink and adjust the sweetness if you like.

5. 5

   Serve over ice

   Put ice in glasses and pour in the agua de kiwi.

6. 6

   Enjoy straight away

   Serve and enjoy immediately.

What is agua de kiwi?

Agua de kiwi is a fruit-and-water drink in the tradition of Mexican aguas frescas, which are often made by blending fruit with water and sweetening to taste. This version pairs kiwi's tangy, fragrant flavour with lemon juice.

Blending a portion of the water with the fruit makes a smooth base, while the remaining water lightens it into a pitcher drink. It is quick to prepare and best served chilled over ice.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 72 calories, 1g protein, 18g carbs, 0g fat.

The kiwi and sugar provide most of the carbohydrates, while the fruit contributes a little protein and the drink is very low in fat. Pair a glass with a meal that includes a source of protein and some vegetables for a more balanced plate.

Choosing and preparing the kiwi

Ripe fruit: Choose kiwi that yields slightly to gentle pressure, as it will blend readily and taste pleasantly sweet. Peel and cut it into chunks before blending.

Getting a smooth blend

Small batch: Blend the kiwi with the lemon juice and just 475 ml of water first. This gives the fruit room to break down before you dilute the mixture in the pitcher.

Balancing the flavour

Lemon juice: The lemon adds a sharp note that offsets the kiwi's sweetness. Add the measured sugar, then taste before deciding whether you want to adjust the sweetness.

Serving it well

Ice in the glass: Pour the drink over ice just before serving for a cool, refreshing finish. If you prefer a less diluted drink, chill the pitcher before adding ice to the glasses.

What to serve alongside

A light pairing: Serve it with savoury snacks, tacos or a simple lunch. Its bright fruit flavour makes a refreshing contrast to salty or spicy food.

Recipe notes & tips

• Use ripe kiwi for a sweeter, more aromatic drink.
• Blend the fruit with the measured lemon juice and part of the water before adding the rest.
• Dissolve the sugar thoroughly by stirring the pitcher well.
• Taste before serving, since the sweetness of kiwi can vary.
• Add ice to the glasses rather than the pitcher if you want to avoid diluting the whole batch.

Variations

• Less sweet: Start with less sugar and add more only after tasting.
• More lemon: Add a little extra lemon juice for a sharper finish.
• Mint: Add a few mint leaves when serving for a fresh herbal note.
• Sparkling finish: Replace some of the water with sparkling water just before serving.
• Chilled pitcher: Refrigerate the prepared drink before serving it over ice.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Adding all the water first: Blend the kiwi with only 475 ml of water initially so the fruit can break down smoothly.
• Skipping the taste check: Kiwi varies in sweetness, so taste after mixing and adjust the sugar if needed.
• Leaving sugar unmixed: Stir thoroughly so the sugar is distributed through the pitcher.
• Adding ice too early: Ice in the pitcher can dilute the drink as it melts; serve it in individual glasses instead.
• Using underripe kiwi: Less-ripe fruit can taste tart; choose fruit that yields slightly when pressed.

How to store

Keep the agua de kiwi covered in the refrigerator and use it within 1–2 days. Stir before serving, as the fruit mixture may settle, and pour over fresh ice.

Frequently asked questions