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Lime Agua Fresca or agua de limón, is one of the most popular Mexican drinks. It's bright, sweet, tart and very easy to make. Perfect for a hot day, family gatherings or anytime you need a refreshing drink.
Our Favorite Agua de Limón
Lime is probably the most common aguas frescas flavor. It's my brother's favorite and the fastest fruit drink you can prepare in a flash.
The first time I made it for my husband here in the USA, he looked at me and said, “Are you blending the whole lime?!” For me it was so natural, but not for him.
He became a believer though, once he tried. He loves it and looks forward to when I make it.
I blend the whole limes for two reasons, the flavor is delicious and deep and, you just need 2 limes, which makes it very economical. I invite you to give it a try and then come and tell me what you think.
Tips for Perfectly Balanced Lime Agua Fresca
Tailor yours with a few simple tweaks:
- Control the Sweetness: If you like it barely sweet, push the water closer to 10 cups, or cut back on the sugar a bit. If your sweet tooth rules the day, stay with 8 cups. Remember, Mexican agua fresca usually leans on the sweet side, but nobody says you can’t make it yours.
- Avoid Bitterness: Stick to the five-second blend rule. The longer you whirl, the more bitter tones end up in the mix due to the pith and peel.
- Add a Twist: Add a handful of fresh mint for a garden-fresh kick, chia seeds for a different look, or a piece of cucumber to create a lime cucumber agua fresca.
Visit our Aguas Frescas roundup where you'll find recipes with a variety of fruits, flowers, and grains, such as agua de jamaica, horchata, lemon water and more. Try them all!
Step-by-Step Guide: Making Lime Agua Fresca with Blended Limes
8-10 cups
Ingredients
- 8-10 cups of water
- 1 cup of sugar
- 2 limes (golf ball size), washed and cut in quarters
- Ice cubes
Utensils
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- Blender or food processor
- A large pitcher, if you like mine, search for a Mexican pitcher here.
- Colander
- Mexican pitcher or a regular pitcher
- Mexican glasses or regular glasses
Process
If you like your lime agua fresca sweeter use 8 cups, if you prefer it less sweet use 10 cups.
Dissolve the Sugar: Pour 2 cups of water and sugar into the blender. Blend for about 15 seconds. This step is key—blending sugar straight into the water guarantees it dissolves fast. If you pour in sugar later, it’ll hang around as stubborn crystals, refusing to blend into the background.
Add the Limes: Quarter your limes and toss them in—skin and all. Pulse the blender for just five seconds. No more. This short blitz pulls out the oils, color, and brightness from the zest, and just enough of the tartness from inside.
Go longer, and the pith will take over; your agua fresca risks turning bitter. It will look like this:
Strain: Set your strainer—a colander or mesh sieve—over your pitcher. Pour the lime mixture through and press gently with a spoon to get all the goodness out but leave the chewy bits and seeds behind.
Fill with Water and Ice: Add the rest of your water and stir well. Slide in plenty of ice, before serving and, if you like, a few extra lime slices as garnish. Enjoy!
Print the Recipe
Lime Agua Fresca
Ingredients
- 8 cups of water
- 1 cup of sugar
- 2 limes golf ball size, cut in quarters
- Ice
Get Recipe IngredientsInstructions
- Pour 2 cups of water and sugar in the blender. Mix for 15 seconds or until sugar is completely dissolved in the water. This is an important step, if you add the sugar later you will need to stir for a long time.
- Add limes and mix for just 5 seconds, no more.
- Strain the mixture into a pitcher with the rest of the water, mix. Serve with ice. Add a couple of lime slices if you'd like.
Nutrition
Notes
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Why I Use Blended Limes Instead of Squeezed Limes?
Many recipes call for squeezing limes and mixing the juice with water and sugar, but here’s why my method stands out:
Blending whole limes—skin, pith, and all—draws on the flavors layered in the zest. The zest holds essential oils that give lime agua fresca its floral aroma and glowing color. You get a burst of taste that straight-up lime juice can’t match. Plus, you only need two limes, which keeps it economical and fuss-free.
If you’re after the more classic, lemonade-like version, using fresh lime juice works fine. The result is milder, you miss out on depth and color plus you'll need a lot of limes.
The blending method has won over many skeptics—one taste and a new habit is born.
More Mexican Aguas Frescas
Some feature fresh fruit, others flowers.
- Strawberry Horchata: (no rice soaking required) strawberry + rice flour + condensed milk + cinnamon.
- Guava Agua Fresca: Guavas + sugar + water.
- Watermelon Agua Fresca: Watermelon + Water + Sugar + Lime
- Jamaica Agua Fresca, the Refreshing Hibiscus Flower Drink: Dry hibiscus flowers + water + sugar + ice.
- Pineapple Coconut Agua Fresca
FAQ
Q: Can I use other sweeteners instead of white sugar?
Absolutely. Honey, agave, or a sugar substitute all work. Taste as you mix so the balance suits you.
Q: How can I prep ahead for a party?
You can blend the sugar and water, wash the limes ahead. Wait to do the final blend and straining just before guests arrive, so the flavor stays bright. Always add ice right before serving for maximum chill.
Q: My agua fresca turned out bitter—what went wrong?
Usually, bitterness comes from over-blending the limes. Stick to the five-second pulse. If you’re sensitive to bitterness, try using just the pulp and juice. Don’t let it sit too long; enjoy soon after making.
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