Orange Agua Fresca
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.
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 Agua Fresca, 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!
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
MAKES 4 CUPS
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 cup of fresh orange juice (about 3 oranges)
- 3 cups of water
- 1/3 cup of sugar
- 1 cup of ice cubes
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.
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, 1/3 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!
- 1 cup of fresh orange juice about 3 oranges
- 3 cups of water
- 1/3 cup of sugar
- 1 cup of ice cubes
-
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, 1/3 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!
- 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.
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.
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