When the summer heat is in full swing, nothing hits the spot quite like a refreshing, ice-cold drink. Enter strawberry agua fresca, a light, fruity, and creamy beverage that’s perfect for cooling down on hot days. This traditional Mexican drink is incredibly easy to make and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor. Whether you’re serving it at a backyard barbecue or just sipping it on a warm afternoon, this agua fresca is guaranteed to be your new go-to summer drink!

And if you’re craving more strawberry recipes, check out my cool and refreshing strawberry sago or my high protein strawberry overnight oats!

This website uses affiliate links which may earn commission for purchases made at no additional cost to you.

hand holding glass with drink

What is Strawberry Agua Fresca?

Agua fresca, which translates to “fresh water” in Spanish, is a popular Mexican beverage made by blending fresh fruit with water, sugar, and sometimes milk. It’s a staple at street markets, taquerias, and family gatherings, often served chilled over ice. Unlike smoothies, agua fresca is much lighter, making it the perfect thirst quencher without feeling heavy. This strawberry version adds a creamy twist, inspired by agua de fresa con leche, a delicious take on the classic fruit-based drink.

Save this recipe!
Get this sent to your inbox, plus get new recipes from us every week!
pitcher of drink

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Great for gatherings: Serve this strawberry agua fresca at picnics, barbecues, or family get-togethers for a crowd-pleasing drink.

Refreshing & hydrating: Perfect for keeping cool in warm weather.

Easy to make: Just blend, strain, and enjoy!

Made with simple ingredients: This strawberry agua fresca only requires three ingredients – fresh strawberries, milk, and sweetened condensed milk create a creamy, delicious flavor.

strawberry agua fresca

Key Ingredients for Strawberry Agua Fresca

If you want to make the best strawberry agua fresca, make sure you have the following ingredients:

  • Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries give this drink its vibrant color and natural sweetness. Frozen ones work great too if you’re blending.
  • Water: Helps thin out the mixture and balance the flavors.
  • Whole milk: Adds richness and creaminess for that signature strawberry milk-style agua fresca.
  • Sweetened condensed milk: Brings the perfect level of sweetness and a silky texture—adjust depending on how sweet your strawberries are.
  • Sliced strawberries: For garnish and a touch of texture.
  • Ice: Keeps everything chilled, light, and refreshing.

Note: for a dairy-free twist, try using oat milk or almond milk instead—both keep the drink creamy without losing flavor.

strawberry agua fresca

How to Make Strawberry Agua Fresca

Step 1: Blend the Strawberries
In a blender, combine the strawberries and water. Blend until completely smooth.

Step 2: Add the Milk & Sweetener
Stir in the whole milk and sweetened condensed milk. Mix well until everything is fully combined.

Step 3: Chill & Serve
Add ice to glasses and pour the strawberry agua fresca over the ice. Garnish with sliced strawberries for an extra touch.

Step 4: Enjoy!
Serve immediately and enjoy this creamy, refreshing summer drink.

strawberry agua fresca

Serving Suggestions

This strawberry agua fresca is the kind of drink that instantly makes any day feel like summer. Serve it ice-cold, preferably right after blending, for the freshest flavor and creamiest texture.

1. With meals: It pairs beautifully with spicy or savory dishes—especially my shredded tofu tacos, vegan birria tacos, mexican street corn with chipotle aioli, or anything off the grill. The creamy sweetness helps balance out heat and spice.
2. For brunch or parties: Make a big batch and serve it in a pitcher or drink dispenser. It’s always a crowd favorite at brunches, picnics, and summer gatherings.
3. As a dessert drink: Chill it extra cold and serve in smaller glasses after a meal—it doubles as a light, refreshing dessert.

FAQ

How do you store agua fresca?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Stir before serving as separation may occur.

How can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the whole milk for almond, oat, or coconut milk, and use a dairy-free sweetener like agave syrup instead of condensed milk.

No ratings yet

Strawberry Agua Fresca

When the summer heat is in full swing, nothing hits the spot quite like a refreshing, ice-cold drink. Enter strawberry agua fresca, a light, fruity, and creamy beverage that’s perfect for cooling down on hot days.
Servings: 6
strawberry agua fresca
Prep Time: 8 minutes

Ingredients 

  • 1.5 lb strawberries
  • 2 cups water
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk, adjust for desired sweetness
  • Sliced strawberries for garnish
  • Ice

Instructions 

  • Blend the Strawberries: In a blender, combine the strawberries and water. Blend until completely smooth.
  • Add the Milk & Sweetener: Stir in the whole milk and sweetened condensed milk. Mix well until everything is fully combined.
  • Chill & Serve: Add ice to glasses and pour the strawberry agua fresca over the ice. Garnish with sliced strawberries for an extra touch.
  • Enjoy! Serve immediately and enjoy this creamy, refreshing summer drink.

Notes

Storage: Keep any leftover strawberry agua fresca refrigerated in a sealed jar or pitcher for up to 2 days. Stir or shake well before serving, as the milk and strawberry purée can separate slightly.
Sweetness: The sweetness depends on your strawberries—taste before serving and adjust with more condensed milk or a splash of simple syrup if needed.
Make-ahead tip: Blend everything except the ice, then chill until ready to serve. Add ice right before pouring so it stays creamy and cold.
Consistency: If you prefer a lighter drink, strain the mixture after blending for a smoother texture. For a thicker, milkshake-like version, skip the straining.
Dairy-free option: Use oat milk or almond milk with a bit of maple syrup instead of condensed milk for a vegan-friendly version.
Flavor twist: Add a squeeze of lime juice or a hint of vanilla extract to brighten up the flavors and make it even more refreshing.

Nutrition

Calories: 322kcal, Carbohydrates: 50g, Protein: 10g, Fat: 10g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 37mg, Sodium: 135mg, Potassium: 602mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 47g, Vitamin A: 388IU, Vitamin C: 68mg, Calcium: 358mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Save this recipe!
Get this sent to your inbox, plus get new recipes from us every week!
Like this recipe? Rate & comment below!

Shreya Walia

Hi, Iโ€™m Shreya Walia โ€” the recipe developer, content creator, and cookbook author behind Shreyaโ€™s Kitchen. As a lifelong vegetarian and the author of Make It Meatless (published through DK/Penguin Random House), Iโ€™ve spent over a decade developing recipes that make plant-based cooking bold, satisfying, and approachable. I share easy, crave-worthy meals with a community of over 1.3M food lovers on TikTok and Instagram. I believe food should be flavorful and fun โ€” never bland or boring."

You May Also Like

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *






1 Comment

  1. Xavier Grant says:

    I appreciate how youโ€™ve approached the topic from multiple angles, providing both high-level insights and detailed explanations. The examples youโ€™ve included are very helpful, and Iโ€™ll definitely be coming back to this post in the future.