Agua de Fresa Con Leche: The Ultimate Refreshing Recipe

Agua de Fresa Con Leche, or strawberry milk, is more than just a refreshing drink; it’s a vibrant taste of summer in a glass! Imagine the sweet, juicy burst of ripe strawberries perfectly blended with creamy milk, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. Are you ready to experience this delightful concoction that’s both incredibly easy to make and utterly irresistible?

While the exact origins of Agua de Fresa Con Leche are debated, its roots are firmly planted in Latin American culture, particularly in Mexico. It’s a beloved beverage often enjoyed during warm afternoons, at family gatherings, or as a simple treat to brighten the day. Think of it as a homemade alternative to sugary sodas, offering a healthier and more flavorful way to quench your thirst.

People adore this drink for its simplicity and deliciousness. The combination of sweet strawberries and creamy milk is a classic pairing that appeals to all ages. It’s incredibly versatile, too! You can adjust the sweetness to your liking, use different types of milk (dairy or non-dairy), and even add a touch of vanilla or cinnamon for an extra layer of flavor. Plus, it takes just minutes to prepare, making it the perfect go-to beverage when you’re craving something refreshing and satisfying. Let’s dive into this easy recipe and learn how to make the perfect glass of Agua de Fresa Con Leche!

Ingredients:

• Fresh Strawberries: 1 pound, hulled and sliced (about 4 cups)
• Water: 4 cups, divided
• Granulated Sugar: ½ cup (adjust to taste)
• Evaporated Milk: 1 (12-ounce) can
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: ½ (14-ounce) can (about 7 ounces)
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
• Ice Cubes: As needed
• Optional Garnishes: Fresh strawberry slices, mint sprigs

Preparing the Strawberry Base:

Okay, let’s get started! The first thing we need to do is create a delicious strawberry base that will form the foundation of our Agua de Fresa con Leche. This involves blending the strawberries with water and sugar to extract all that wonderful flavor.

1. Combine Strawberries, Water, and Sugar: In a blender, combine the sliced strawberries, 2 cups of water, and the granulated sugar. It’s important to use ripe, juicy strawberries for the best flavor. If your strawberries are a little tart, you might want to add a bit more sugar, but start with ½ cup and adjust later to your liking.
2. Blend Until Smooth: Blend the mixture on high speed until it is completely smooth. You want to make sure there are no chunks of strawberries remaining. This might take a minute or two, depending on the power of your blender. If you find that the mixture is too thick, you can add a little more water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
3. Strain the Mixture (Optional but Recommended): This step is optional, but I highly recommend it for a smoother final product. Place a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth-lined colander over a large bowl. Pour the blended strawberry mixture through the sieve, pressing down on the solids with a spoon or spatula to extract as much juice as possible. This will remove any seeds or pulp, resulting in a smoother, more refined Agua de Fresa. If you don’t mind a little texture, you can skip this step.
4. Taste and Adjust Sweetness: Now, taste the strawberry base. This is the perfect time to adjust the sweetness to your preference. If it’s not sweet enough, add more sugar, a tablespoon at a time, and blend again until dissolved. Remember that you’ll be adding milk later, which will also add some sweetness, so don’t overdo it.

Adding the Milk and Vanilla:

Now comes the creamy, dreamy part! We’re going to add the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract to create that signature Agua de Fresa con Leche flavor and texture.

1. Combine Strawberry Base and Milk: In a large pitcher, pour the strained (or unstrained) strawberry base. Add the entire can of evaporated milk and half of the can of sweetened condensed milk. The combination of these two types of milk is what gives Agua de Fresa con Leche its unique richness and sweetness.
2. Add Vanilla Extract: Stir in the vanilla extract. The vanilla enhances the strawberry flavor and adds a subtle warmth to the drink.
3. Stir Well: Use a large spoon or whisk to thoroughly combine all the ingredients. Make sure the milk and strawberry base are completely mixed together. You want a uniform color and consistency.
4. Add Remaining Water: Pour in the remaining 2 cups of water. This will dilute the mixture to the perfect drinking consistency. Stir again to combine.
5. Taste and Adjust Sweetness (Again!): Give the Agua de Fresa con Leche another taste. Now that you’ve added the milk, you might find that it needs a little more sweetness. If so, add more sweetened condensed milk, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired level of sweetness. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

Chilling and Serving:

Almost there! The final step is to chill the Agua de Fresa con Leche and serve it with plenty of ice. This is best served cold, so don’t skip the chilling step!

1. Chill in the Refrigerator: Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably longer. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the drink to become nice and cold. You can even chill it overnight for the best results.
2. Serve with Ice: When you’re ready to serve, fill glasses with ice cubes.
3. Pour and Enjoy: Pour the chilled Agua de Fresa con Leche over the ice.
4. Garnish (Optional): If you want to get fancy, you can garnish with fresh strawberry slices or a sprig of mint. This adds a nice visual appeal and a touch of freshness.

Tips and Variations:

Here are a few extra tips and ideas to customize your Agua de Fresa con Leche:

• Use Frozen Strawberries: If fresh strawberries are not in season or are too expensive, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw them slightly before blending.
• Adjust the Milk Ratio: Feel free to adjust the ratio of evaporated milk to sweetened condensed milk to your liking. If you prefer a richer, sweeter drink, use more sweetened condensed milk. If you prefer a lighter drink, use more evaporated milk.
• Add a Pinch of Salt: A tiny pinch of salt can actually enhance the sweetness of the drink. Try adding just a pinch to the blender when you’re making the strawberry base.
• Make it Vegan: To make this recipe vegan, substitute the evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk with plant-based alternatives, such as coconut milk or oat milk. You may need to adjust the sweetness to taste.
• Add a Splash of Lime Juice: A squeeze of fresh lime juice can add a bright, tangy flavor to the Agua de Fresa con Leche. Try adding a tablespoon or two to the pitcher.
• Make it Spicy: For a unique twist, add a pinch of chili powder or a few slices of jalapeño to the blender when you’re making the strawberry base. This will add a subtle kick to the drink.
• Blend with Ice: For a slushier consistency, blend the Agua de Fresa con Leche with ice before serving.
• Infuse the Water: For a more intense strawberry flavor, infuse the water with strawberry slices before using it in the recipe. Simply add sliced strawberries to a pitcher of water and let it sit in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight.
• Layered Agua de Fresa: For a visually appealing presentation, create a layered Agua de Fresa. In a glass, alternate layers of the strawberry mixture and a layer of plain milk (either regular or plant-based). This creates a beautiful striped effect.

Troubleshooting:

Sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned. Here are a few common issues and how to fix them:

• Agua de Fresa is Too Thick: If your Agua de Fresa is too thick, simply add more water until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Agua de Fresa is Too Sweet: If your Agua de Fresa is too sweet, add more water or a squeeze of lime juice to balance the flavors.
• Agua de Fresa is Not Sweet Enough: If your Agua de Fresa is not sweet enough, add more sugar or sweetened condensed milk, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired level of sweetness.
• Agua de Fresa is Too Tart: If your Agua de Fresa is too tart, add more sugar or a pinch of baking soda to neutralize the acidity.
• Agua de Fresa is Separating: If your Agua de Fresa is separating, it could be due to the acidity of the strawberries reacting with the milk. Try adding a pinch of baking soda to neutralize the acidity or using a higher-fat milk.

Storage Instructions:

Agua de Fresa con Leche is best served fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. After that, the flavors may start to fade, and the texture may change. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing odors from the refrigerator.

Important Note: If you notice any signs of spoilage, such as a sour smell or a change in color or texture, discard the Agua de Fresa immediately.

Enjoy your homemade Agua de Fresa con Leche! I hope you found this recipe helpful and easy to follow. Let me know in the comments if you have any questions or if you try any of the

Conclusion:

This Agua de Fresa con Leche isn’t just a drink; it’s a vibrant taste of summer, a comforting hug in a glass, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers a burst of fresh strawberry flavor that’s perfectly balanced with the creamy richness of milk. Forget those overly sweet, artificial-tasting strawberry drinks – this is the real deal! The natural sweetness of the strawberries shines through, creating a refreshing and satisfying beverage that’s perfect for any occasion. But the best part? It’s so versatile! While I love it just as it is, there are so many ways to customize this Agua de Fresa con Leche to your liking. For a slightly tangier twist, try adding a squeeze of lime juice. It brightens the flavors and adds a delightful zing. If you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of mint or basil can elevate the drink to a whole new level of sophistication. Imagine the cool, refreshing taste of strawberry and mint on a hot summer day – pure bliss! And don’t limit yourself to just milk! Experiment with different types of milk to find your perfect combination. Almond milk adds a subtle nutty flavor, while coconut milk lends a tropical vibe. For a richer, more decadent treat, try using half-and-half or even a splash of heavy cream. Just remember to adjust the sweetness accordingly, as some milk alternatives may be naturally sweeter than others. Serving suggestions are endless! This Agua de Fresa con Leche is fantastic on its own as a refreshing afternoon pick-me-up. It’s also a wonderful addition to brunch, a delightful accompaniment to spicy Mexican food, or a perfect dessert alternative. For a fun and festive touch, serve it in mason jars with striped straws and a few fresh strawberries as garnish. You can even freeze it into popsicles for a cool and refreshing treat on a hot day. My kids absolutely love them! I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. It’s a simple, delicious, and versatile drink that’s perfect for any occasion. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, grab your blender, and get ready to experience the magic of homemade Agua de Fresa con Leche. I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you’ve made it, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I’d love to hear what you think, what variations you tried, and how you served it. Did you add a special ingredient? Did you serve it at a party? Did your kids love it as much as mine do? Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create recipes that you’ll love. Don’t be shy – let me know what you think! And if you enjoyed this recipe, please share it with your friends and family. Let’s spread the love of homemade Agua de Fresa con Leche far and wide! I can’t wait to hear all about your strawberry adventures!

Print