Strawberry Water (Mexican Agua de Fresa)

Agua frescas are a popular traditional drink in Mexico and this strawberry agua fresca, is lightly sweet and fruity as well as perfectly refreshing. It's just what you need on a warm day. If you have ever visited Mexico, you will know that in most of the country, it can get pretty hot. As a result, it's no surprise that you'll find various traditional drinks and treats to cool you down and rehydrate you. In many towns, you'll find both shops and street vendors selling ice cream and paletas (ice pops) in a broad range of flavours, like mango paletas, various other fruits, and even some with chili. Agua frescas are popular as well. Agua frescas are a range of drinks that live up to their name of "fresh water". The exact origins of the refreshing drink are a little unclear, but some believe they were first made by the Aztec in the Mexico City region, where they are still popular. Now, that popularity has spread to other parts of the country and beyond, and for good reason.

1 cup strawberries
1 cup water
1 Tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. lime juice, freshly squeezed

Remove the stems from the strawberries and halve or roughly chop the fruit.

Place the strawberries, water, sugar and lime juice in a blender and blend until well combined and smooth. Adjust the amount of sugar and water to desired taste and consistency.

If you prefer, strain the mixture.

Chill the drink until needed or serve immediately. In both cases, best served over ice.

Makes 2 servings.