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You are here: Home » Recipes » Quick & Easy Mexican Recipes

Orange Agua Fresca

Published: Apr 15, 2018 · Updated: Jul 29, 2019 by Mely Martínez

JUMP TO RECIPE

Orange Agua Fresca was one of the most popular drinks made at my grandma’s house on her farm in Veracruz. Her farm had an old orange tree, which gave the type of oranges usually called Bitter Orange.

Orange Agua Fresca Recipe

orange agua fresca recipe

The tree was located on a pathway that leads from the house to the river, so we would always pass by it when going down to the river to get water. Besides using the oranges from the tree for making Orange drinks, the leaves were used to make teas. In addition to that, the washtub was right next to the tree, so the women doing the laundry could enjoy the tree’s shade!

orange agua fresca recipe

Like in Mexico, you can make this Orange Agua Fresca using any type of orange (for some reason, it’s always better when made with bitter oranges, like on my grandma’s farm). In the old times, this drink was called “Naranjate”, then the name changed to “Naranjada”. Either way, we prepare it with regular water or by using mineral water.

If you are looking for more recipes for “Aguas Frescas”, try the Mango Agua Fresca (mango season is just starting) or the Pineapple Agua Fresca (pineapple season runs from March to July). Nowadays, you can find these fruits year around.

How to make Orange Agua Fresca

JUMP TO FULL INSTRUCTIONS

NOTES:

  • The best time of the year to make this Orange drinks is when the oranges are in season, which is from November to April here in the USA. I have found that the last oranges of the season are always the sweetest and tastiest ones.
  • I know you may be tempted to use store-bought orange juice, and you can do that, but the fresh oranges will always give you a better tasting Orange agua fresca.
orange agua fresca recipe

INSTRUCTIONS:

  • Wash your oranges, cut them in half, and extract the orange juice using a citrus juicer (or just by squeezing the juice out with your hands). (Please check the ingredients list below)
  • Pour the cup of juice in a pitcher. Add the 3 cups of water, ⅓ cup of sugar, and stir.
  • Taste to check if the orange agua fresca doesn’t need more sugar (some oranges are sweeter than others). Finally, add the ice cubes and serve. If you want to decorate your drink, add a couple of fresh mint leaves. Enjoy your Orange Agua Fresca!
orange agua fresca recipe

You can find the Citrus Juices HERE, and also the Restaurant Style Pitcher.

A last note: orange juice is so popular in Mexico, that many cafeteria-style restaurants always include a glass of orange juice with your breakfast.

Our recipes EN ESPAÑOL

📖 Recipe

orange agua fresca recipe

Orange Agua Fresca

Mely Martínez
Orange Agua Fresca. A thirst-quenching drink that will be enjoyed by young and old. Made with fresh squeezed orange juice, this Orange Agua fresca is fast and easy to make in a matter of few minutes and enjoy it.
5 from 4 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 10 minutes mins
Course Drinks
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 64 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup of fresh orange juice about 3 oranges
  • 3 cups of water
  • ⅓ cup of sugar
  • 1 cup of ice cubes

Instructions
 

  • Wash your oranges, cut them in half, and extract the orange juice using a citrus juicer (or just by squeezing the juice out with your hands).
  • Pour the cup of juice in a pitcher. Add the 3 cups of water, ⅓ cup of sugar, and stir.
  • Taste to check if the orange agua fresca doesn’t need more sugar (some oranges are sweeter than others). Finally, add the ice cubes and serve. If you want to decorate your drink, add a couple of fresh mint leaves. Enjoy your Orange Agua Fresca!

Notes

  • The best time of the year to make this Orange Agua Fresca is when the oranges are in season, which is from November to April here in the USA. I have found that the last oranges of the season are always the sweetest and tastiest ones.
  • I know you may be tempted to use store-bought orange juice, and you can do that, but the fresh oranges will always give you a better tasting Orange agua fresca.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 64kcalCarbohydrates: 16gSodium: 9mgSugar: 16gCalcium: 6mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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  1. toni

    April 17, 2020 at 3:05 pm

    I am so addicted to this! Delightfully sharp and tangy and a great use for the glut of bitter oranges I have. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  2. Glyndia

    March 15, 2020 at 11:12 am

    In my family we are down with allergies and colds. I made the orange agua fresca today and this is just wonderful! Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  3. Pat

    April 24, 2018 at 9:35 pm

    5 stars
    Yummy muy bueno agua fresca I have 3 orange trees I’ll continue making this drink. Gracias

    Reply
    • mmartinez

      April 25, 2018 at 8:47 am

      Freshly cut oranges! How delicious for an Agua fresca! Provecho!

      Reply

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About me

Hi, I'm Mely Martinez, a former Mexican school teacher, home cook, and food blogger. I moved to the United States about ten years ago, after living in Mexico my whole life. Now I love to share home-style recipes for authentic Mexican food.
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