Agua de Frutas La Michoacana is a vibrant, fruit-filled beverage that captures the heart of Mexican street food culture. Inspired by the popular aguas frescas served in La Michoacana ice cream shops, this drink combines the natural sweetness of tropical fruits with a cool, hydrating base that’s perfect for hot summer days. Known for its eye-catching colors and rich fruity flavors, this refreshing drink is often enjoyed as a healthy alternative to sodas and artificial juices.
Each glass offers a burst of real fruit, sometimes with chunks floating throughout, giving you both a thirst-quencher and a light snack in one. Ideal for parties, family gatherings, or a quiet afternoon treat, Agua de Frutas La Michoacana is both simple to make and endlessly customizable. This version of the recipe blends the most beloved ingredients used by authentic La Michoacana vendors to give you a true taste of Mexico at home.
Ingredients
- 1 cup diced watermelon
- 1 cup diced cantaloupe
- 1 cup diced pineapple
- 1 cup diced mango
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 8 cups cold water
- Juice of 2 fresh limes
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Ice cubes, as needed
- Mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Wash and peel all fruits thoroughly. Dice the watermelon, cantaloupe, mango, pineapple, and strawberries into small bite-sized pieces for easier blending and drinking.
- In a large bowl, combine the fruit pieces with the sugar and a pinch of salt. Let this mixture sit for about 10 minutes. This maceration helps draw out the fruit juices and enhances natural sweetness.
- Transfer half of the fruit mixture into a blender and add about 2 cups of cold water. Blend until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can pulse briefly instead of fully blending.
- Pour the blended fruit through a fine-mesh strainer into a large pitcher to remove any pulp or seeds. Use a spoon to press down and extract as much juice as possible.
- Repeat the blending and straining process with the remaining fruit and another 2 cups of water. Once done, pour all the extracted juice into the same pitcher.
- Add the remaining 4 cups of cold water to the pitcher along with the fresh lime juice. Stir well until everything is fully combined.
- Taste the mixture and adjust sweetness if necessary. Add more sugar or lime juice depending on your preference. If it’s too sweet, add a bit more water to balance it out.
- Add a generous amount of ice cubes to the pitcher or directly into serving glasses to keep the drink cold and refreshing.
- Optionally, stir in a few additional chunks of fresh fruit for texture and visual appeal. Garnish with fresh mint leaves or lime slices for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
- Serve immediately in tall glasses with a wide straw or spoon to enjoy the fruit chunks. This drink is best consumed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.