Guava Lime Agua Fresca
A light, refreshing Mexican-style drink made from fresh guava and lime juice. This agua fresca blends ripe guava with bright citrus and a touch of sweetness, then strains to a smooth consistency. Serve over ice on hot days for an authentic tropical beverage that's naturally sweet and deeply flavorful.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- —
- Wait
- 15 min
- Total
- 30 min
- Makes
- 4 servings (about 1 quart / 1 liter)
Steps
Before you start
- Use ripe guavas that yield slightly to gentle pressure—they should smell fragrant at the stem end
- Chill all glassware and serving glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving
- Have ice ready to serve
Prepare the guavas
- Cut each guava in half lengthwise and use a small spoon to scoop out and discard the seeds.
- Rinse the guava halves under cold water and roughly chop the flesh into chunks; you should have about 4 cups (600 g) of chopped guava.
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Ready when: Guava flesh is in small chunks, seeds fully removed
Tip: Ripe guavas should be soft enough that you can scoop the seed out easily; unripe ones will be difficult to process.
Juice the limes
- Cut 4 limes in half and juice them using a citrus reamer or by hand, pressing firmly.
- Pour the juice through a fine strainer to catch any pulp or seeds.
- You should have about ½ cup (120 ml) of fresh juice.
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Ready when: You have ½ cup fresh lime juice with seeds and large pulp removed
Tip: Fresh lime juice is essential here; bottled lime juice lacks the brightness and flavor that makes this drink special.
Blend the mixture
- Pour 2 cups (480 ml) of the cold water into your blender.
- Add the chopped guava flesh, lime juice, and sugar.
- Blend on high speed for 45 to 60 seconds until the mixture is completely smooth and pale pink, with no visible guava solids.
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Ready when: Mixture is smooth, pale pink, and flows easily when swirled in the blender
Tip: Do not overblend or add ice to the blender; the friction will warm the drink. Use cold water from the tap or refrigerator.
Strain the agua fresca
- Set a fine-mesh strainer over a large 2-quart (2-liter) pitcher.
- Pour the blended mixture slowly through the strainer, using the back of a wooden spoon to gently press the solids and extract as much liquid as possible.
- Let it strain for about 2 minutes.
- Discard the fiber and pulp left in the strainer.
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Ready when: Clear, pale pink liquid in pitcher; dry pulp remains in strainer
Tip: Straining is crucial for a smooth, refined texture. Press gently to avoid pushing pulp through the mesh.
Dilute and chill
- Add the remaining 2 cups (470 ml) of cold water to the pitcher with the strained liquid.
- Stir well to combine.
- Taste and adjust: add more lime juice if it needs brightness, or a touch more sugar (1 to 2 teaspoons / 5–10 g) if it seems tart.
- Refrigerate for at least 10 minutes until very cold.
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Ready when: Liquid is very cold and well-mixed
Tip: The drink will taste less sweet when cold, so taste it at room temperature before chilling for a more accurate flavor check.
Serve
- Pour the agua fresca into chilled glasses filled halfway with ice cubes.
- Top with lime slices or fresh mint leaves if desired.
- Stir gently and serve immediately.
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Ready when: Drink is poured and garnished
Tip: Serve immediately after adding ice so the drink stays cold and doesn't dilute too quickly.
Good to know
Tips
- Look for guavas that yield slightly to palm pressure and smell fragrant—they should have a cream or yellowish interior when cut, not white or green.
- Straining removes the guava's natural fiber and small seeds that would otherwise make the drink gritty; don't skip this step.
- Serve agua fresca very cold for the best flavor and refreshment. A frozen glass makes a noticeable difference on hot days.
- This drink benefits from being made fresh, but you can also freeze it in a shallow pan and stir occasionally with a fork to make a light granita.
Make ahead
Blend and strain the agua fresca up to 1 day ahead; store covered in the refrigerator. Stir well before serving and add fresh ice and garnish just before pouring.
Storage & reheating
Refrigerator: up to 2 days in an airtight pitcher. The flavor fades and it becomes diluted as it sits. Freezer: agua fresca can be frozen in ice cube trays for up to 1 month; thaw or blend frozen cubes with a splash of water to serve as a granita-style treat. Do not store at room temperature for more than 1 hour.
Substitutions
- fresh ripe guavas → frozen guava pulp (thawed). Use 2 cups (480 g) of thawed frozen guava pulp if fresh guavas are unavailable. Thaw at room temperature and strain before blending to remove excess liquid.
- white sugar → honey or agave nectar. Use 3 tablespoons (60 ml) honey or agave instead of sugar for a different flavor note. Blend it in with the guava to dissolve fully.
- fresh lime juice → fresh lemon juice. Lemon can replace lime juice for a slightly less acidic version, though the traditional brightness will be softer. Use the same amount.
- cold water → coconut water. Replace 2 cups (480 ml) of water with unsweetened coconut water for a tropical twist. The drink becomes slightly sweeter and creamier.
