AGUA FRESCA
What is better than a cool and refreshing cocktail during the hot summer days? Certainly, we should be mindful of the alcohol and sugar intake, as they can both have a negative impact on chronic conditions and weight.
On the other hand, water can be boring, and many people struggle to drink the recommended daily amount. This is why I looked for tasty alternatives that can be incorporated along plain water.
Here are my favourite alternatives to alcoholic beverages that will still satisfy your palate and provide nutritional benefits. Agua Fresca is a very popular drink that I have discovered during my holiday in Mexico few years ago, it can be made with different types of fruit or grains, but here I propose 3 different types: watermelon, de Jamaica and mango.
Agua de Sandia (watermelon) is naturally sweet and refreshing, watermelon is rich in vitamin C which is a powerful antioxidant. It also contains lycopene, a plant chemical that helps to protect us from the harmful effects of sun, on top of being an antioxidant. Lime juice provides more vitamin C to the mix, making this drink an immune booster.
Agua de Mango is another drink that score very high in vitamin C content. Did you know that adequate vitamin C can help to promote Iron absorption? This is really useful if you suffer from Iron deficiency anaemia or if you just want to increase the intake around the bleeding phase of the menstrual cycle.
Agua de Jamaica has been used by different cultures traditionally to help with heart health and decreasing body temperature in hot climates. The main ingredient, hibiscus flowers, contains high amounts of the plant compound anthocyanins, which has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Research also confirmed its heart health properties (doi: 10.1080/16546628.2017.1361779).
Recipe 1: Agua de Sandia
Serve 2
-2 cups of chopped watermelon
-1 cup of water
-2 tbsp lime juice
-1 tbsp honey
Method
- Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth
- Add ice cubes to 2 glasses and pour the mixture.
- Add fresh mint leaves and a piece of watermelon to garnish.
NOTES: For a smoother texture, strain the liquid before you pour it in a glass.
Recipe 2: Agua de Mango
Serve 2
-1 cup of chopped mango
-2 limes, juiced
-2 cups of water
Method
- Place the mango, lime and 1 cup of water into a blender and blend until smooth. Add the second cup of water and mix with a spoon.
- Add the second cup of water and mix with a spoon.
- Add ice cubes to 2 glasses and pour the mixture. Add fresh mint leaves to garnish.
NOTES: Frozen mango can also be used, just ensure that is thawed before blending.
Recipe 3: Agua de Jamaica
Serve 4
-½ cup dried hibiscus flowers
-2 cups of water
-1/4 cup coconut sugar (or sub for brown sugar)
Method
- Place the hibiscus flowers in a pot, ass the cold water and bring to a boil. Turn the heat down and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Strain the flowers and let the infusion cool naturally.
- Add the sugar and mix vigorously until is dissolved. Add 2 cups of cold water.
- Add ice cubes to 4 glasses and pour the mixture.
NOTES: The original Mexican recipe is much sweeter, but I recommend not to exceed the amount of sugar on this recipe. The mixture keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days.
