Beat the summer heat: the refreshing art of strawberry agua fresca de leche

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of summer with a homemade strawberry agua fresca de leche. This vibrant and refreshing beverage combines the sweet, juicy notes of strawberries with the creamy richness of milk, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Follow our step-by-step guide to learn how to make strawberry agua fresca de leche with ease.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup whole milk
• 4 cups cold water
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Strawberries:

Thoroughly rinse the strawberries and remove the hulls. Cut them in half to release their juices.

2. Make the Strawberry Puree:

Place the strawberries and granulated sugar in a blender or food processor. Puree until smooth.

3. Strain the Puree:

Pour the strawberry puree through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl. This will remove any seeds or pulp.

4. Add Milk and Water:

Stir in the whole milk and cold water to the strawberry puree. Mix well until combined.

5. Sweeten to Taste (Optional):

If desired, add additional sugar to taste. Adjust the sweetness to your preference.

6. Add Vanilla Extract (Optional):

For an extra layer of flavor, add 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract. Stir to combine.

7. Chill and Serve:

Refrigerate the strawberry agua fresca de leche for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to blend. Serve chilled over ice and enjoy!

Tips for a Perfect Strawberry Agua Fresca de Leche:

• Use ripe, juicy strawberries for the best flavor.
• If you don’t have a blender, you can mash the strawberries with a fork or potato masher.
• For a sweeter beverage, add more sugar to taste.
• Try adding a squeeze of lime juice for a refreshing twist.
• Garnish with fresh strawberry slices or mint leaves for a touch of elegance.

Variations:

• Strawberry-Banana Agua Fresca de Leche: Add 1 ripe banana to the blender along with the strawberries.
• Pineapple-Strawberry Agua Fresca de Leche: Substitute half of the strawberries with fresh pineapple chunks.
• Coconut-Strawberry Agua Fresca de Leche: Add 1 cup of unsweetened coconut milk along with the whole milk.

What to Serve with Strawberry Agua Fresca de Leche:

• Sweet treats such as cookies, muffins, or cakes
• Savory snacks like chips and salsa or empanadas
• As a refreshing accompaniment to grilled or roasted meats
• At parties or gatherings as a delightful non-alcoholic beverage

The Conclusion: A Taste of Summer in Every Sip

With its vibrant color, sweet-tart flavor, and creamy texture, strawberry agua fresca de leche is the perfect way to quench your thirst and satisfy your sweet cravings. Whether you’re enjoying it on a hot summer day or as a refreshing treat, this delightful beverage will transport you to a taste of summer with every sip.

Information You Need to Know

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A: Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but thaw them completely before using.

Q: How long can I store strawberry agua fresca de leche?
A: Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make it up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate until ready to serve.