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This Mango Aguas Frescas is a non-alcoholic beverage option to bring on a picnic. While I love a good wine or margarita, not everywhere is going to be okay with alcohol. Or you could have under-aged little people on your picnic that need something fun to drink too.
I’ve always been a little on the fence about aguas frescas because they are only as good as the fruit you use. It can be the most delicious drink in the world, quenching your thirst and stopping your hunger cravings all while tasting damn delicious. But only if the fruit is amazing tasting.
If you don’t have fresh seasonal fruit, you might as well not even bother. And really, following a recipe is difficult too.
I originally wasn’t going to use as much turmeric simple syrup but one of my mangos, even though it had all the indicators of being a perfectly ripe mango, was completely lacking flavor and very flat. The other one was DELICIOUS HEAVEN. But that first one really brought the flavor down and I ended up having to add more of everything.
So follow the recipe but taste as you go along. Maybe you have two perfect mangos and don’t need the extra turmeric simple syrup.
You can also freeze the Mango Aguas Frescas in ice cube trays or if you have them, Popsicle molds. I did mine is ice cube trays and stabbed them with a fork to eat (I forgot to put tooth picks in them after 1 hour in the freezer). They are a little icy but on a hot day, I consider that a good thing.
As always, I have to add a bit of spice. Season the drink and frozen bites with a sprinkling of Tajin Seasoning (it’s sooooooo good).
Mango Aguas Frescas
Ingredients
Aguas Frescas
- 2 mangos peeled and diced
- 2 cups water separated
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
- 5 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- 3 tablespoons turmeric simple syrup
Turmeric Simple Syrup
- 1 cup peeled and diced turmeric root
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
Instructions
Turmeric Simple Syrup
- Combine turmeric, sugar, and water in a sauce pan and bring to a boil on high heat. Reduce to low-medium and cook for 1 hour. Strain out the turmeric and store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Mango Aguas Frescas
- Blend mangos and 1 cup water in high speed blender until smooth.
- Pour through a strainer into a pitcher or mixing bowl. Add the other cup of water and mix.
- Stir in the lime and orange juices and turmeric simple syrup. Taste and adjust flavoring as desired.
- Take a lime wedge and run it along the rims of the glasses. Roll the rims through Tajin seasoning that is sprinkled out on a plate. Pour the Mango Aguas Frescas into the glasses and sprinkle a little Tajin seasoning on top of the drink too.
- Or you can pour the Mango Aguas Frescas into ice cube trays or Popsicle molds and freeze for a frozen treat.
Notes
This is so creative! And I’m really intrigued by the turmeric simple syrup! Very nicely done. If I could, I’d give you a thumbs-up emoji 😉
Thanks Kathleen! And turmeric simple syrup makes all the wonderful citrus fruits have so much depth-I’m never without it anymore!
Goodness, you straight up made mango aguas frescas! Now I’d really, really like to go home (to California) please!! Megan, you are California recipe (and friend) connection. Goodness. And that Turmeric Simple Syrup: woah there. You’re just making me all kinds of thirsty!
Californians unite! I’m happy to supply you with some California-inspired goodies!
I love agua frescas, but you are right, what goes in is what comes out. I I love the turmeric syrup here! And I love that spicy rim too! Beautiful photos!
Thank Meghan! The colors made it ridiculously easy to photograph.
Looks refreshing! Pinned!
I’ve never had agua fresca, can you believe it?? I’m trying to be more conscious of my alcohol intake recently because I think it may be affecting my digestion…bummer because I love cocktails! But when you can make a fancy drink like this one, who needs booze? Love it!
I feel like a lot of people haven’t had them. They’re very regional. But it is a good drink to substitute if alcohol is bothering you. I go up and down on alcohol. I love cocktails too but sometimes I can tell from one sip that I should pass on it so I like having other options that make me feel part of the crowd.