With all this heat that has swept the nation, I really think it’s time to talk about the importance of staying hydrated! This year has been pretty cool for June (temps are in the low 100’s) so I am going through 1.5 gallon of water a day. I know it’s a bit much but drinking water becomes a necessity in this desert heat!
If you’re not a fan of drinking water, you can try flavoring your water with fresh fruits and herbs, flavoring extracts are also a perfect alternative to flavor packets. Over the next few weeks I will be talking about how to stay hydrated while enjoying the summer heat.
Strawberry season is here and I may be a bit late with recipes, but I am there when you need me! I had to start the season with a favorite summer drink that quenches the thirst, its healthy, low fat and sugar free. While I do prefer sugar in agua fresca, the strawberries I bought were sweet enough. I decided to make this one with a sugar substitute to complement the taste of the strawberries.
Fresh Strawberry Water (Agua Fresca) Recipe:
2 ½ cups sliced strawberries
4 cups water
1 lime (optional)
¾ cup sugar substitute ( I used stevia)
Recipe Directions: In a medium bowl, mix slice strawberries, sugar, and 1 cup of water. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours (overnight is best). Remove the strawberry mixture from the refrigerator and pour into a blender and lime juice. Blend until smooth. Pour the blended mixture through a mesh strainer set over a large mixing bowl; discard the pulp and seeds. Add the remaining 3 cups cold water to the pureed strawberries and mix well. Place the strawberry water in the refrigerator to chill or pour over ice and serve.
Kelly says
This looks so pretty and refreshing! I keep meaning to up my intake of water and now I have no excuse with this recipe 🙂
Shundara@Savynaturalista says
Aww thanks so much Kelly 🙂
S says
This looks so refreshing but id you really use 3/4 cups stevia? That would be equal to 6 cups sugar; seems like a lot. Did you use powder or liquid stevia? I’m looking forward to trying this. Strawberries are just getting ripe in my garden and I’ll have lots to use.
Shundara@Savynaturalista says
I took into consideration that the strawberries would suck up some of the sweetener, since I strain the water from the pulp. I honestly used this much stevia in most of my baking, if you find that it’s too much you can cut down on the amount you use. I used powdered stevia; I find it easier to cook with.
cheryl says
I think you forgot to mention lime in the directions lol
Shundara@Savynaturalista says
Lol I did thanks so much for letting me know 🙂
Heather says
What do you do with the lime, and how many serving does this make please
Heather says
Please let me know what to do with the line I need to know for a baby shower Saturday
Thanks
Shundara@Savynaturalista says
The lime is optional you add the juice when blending up the mixture..
Chi says
I made this for my daughters as a sugar free drink for my daughters who have type 1 diabetes. They really liked it but I found it was messy to make and took a long time. The pulp made it difficult to strain the water and i had to strain it twice to get more of the pulp out. It still had a very cloudy look to it (not as nice as yours). Not sure what I did wrong.
Shundara@Savynaturalista says
I used a fine mesh strainers that’s why I was able to get so much pulp out. I am happy you enjoyed it 🙂
Anna says
do we have to leave the strawberries overnight
Shundara@Savynaturalista says
No you don’t 🙂 However I don’t know how it will change the recipe
Punky Mom says
Yum yum! Going to share this on our strawberry roundup tomorrow
Shundara@Savynaturalista says
Oh thank you so much 🙂 yay!!!!!