Regardless of culture or country, nearly every cuisine features its own take on refreshing fruit juice. In Mexican cuisine, it is known as “aguas frescas.” If you’ve yet to try one of these thirst-quenching treats, you can learn more about their history and extensive flavor range in the guide below. 

What Is the Origin of Aguas Frescas?

“Aguas frescas” translates to “fresh water,” but these beverages are a lot more flavorful than that. They are believed to have originated in the Aztec empire when fruit grew along the river banks in Tenochtitlán. The Aztecs picked the fresh fruit and mixed it with water before adding ice from local dormant volcanoes. 

More modern variants were eventually sold by street vendors, inspiring people throughout Guatemala and Mexico to make them at home. Today, Tenochtitlán is known as Mexico City's metropolis, and there are numerous restaurant chains devoted to aguas frescas. You can also find them in Mexican restaurants throughout the U.S. today.

How Are They Made Now?

Most of these beverages combine muddled fresh fruit or vegetables with water, sweetener, and ice. However, some feature ground-up seeds or grains. For example, the famous “horchata” agua fresca is made with sweetened rice and cinnamon. More classic, summery flavors include pineapple, taramind, watermelon, and cantaloupe. If you’re craving something healthy and refreshing, you might be able to find a cucumber agua fresca or one made with the superfood spirulina.

To try a refreshing agua fresca for yourself, head to The Taco Spot in Chandler, AZ. This celebrated restaurant serves a wide range of Mexican cuisine—from tortas and fajitas to rice and beans. To browse their menu online, visit the website. You can also call them at 480-917-7883 to place an order for pickup.