Healthy Mango Pineapple Agua Fresca Recipe

Healthy Mango Pineapple Agua Fresca Recipe

Refresh your day with this vibrant and nutritious Mango Pineapple Agua Fresca! A popular Mexican beverage, agua fresca is a light, hydrating drink made with fresh fruits, water, and just a touch of sweetness. This tropical fusion of mango and pineapple is not only delicious but also packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Whether you’re looking for a healthy drink to cool off during hot weather or just want a refreshing alternative to sugary sodas, this mango-pineapple agua fresca is the perfect choice!

Recipe by: Pineapple and Coconut Blog

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe mangos, peeled, pitted, and chopped
• 1 cup fresh pineapple, chopped (or canned, unsweetened)
• 4 cups cold water
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (optional, helps balance flavors)
• Ice cubes, for serving
• Mint leaves (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fruit: Peel and chop the mangos and pineapple into chunks. If you’re using fresh pineapple, make sure it’s ripe and sweet. For a smoother drink, you can blend the pineapple and mango separately or together.
2. Blend the Ingredients: In a blender, combine the chopped mango, pineapple, and lime juice. Add 2 cups of the cold water to the blender. Blend until smooth, ensuring the fruit is fully pureed.
3. Strain the Mixture (optional): For a smoother agua fresca, strain the blended fruit mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the pulp. This step is optional depending on your texture preference, but it helps achieve a lighter, more refreshing drink.
4. Sweeten & Add Salt: Pour the strained or unstrained fruit mixture back into the blender or a large pitcher. Add honey or maple syrup to sweeten the agua fresca to your liking. For an added layer of flavor, stir in a pinch of sea salt. Taste and adjust the sweetness and salt as needed.
5. Add Water: Pour in the remaining 2 cups of cold water, then blend again for a few seconds to combine.
6. Serve & Enjoy: Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the mango pineapple agua fresca over the ice. Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.
7. Optional Add-ins: To make this even more tropical, you can add a splash of coconut water or a few tablespoons of coconut milk for a creamy twist.

Health Benefits:

• Rich in Vitamins: Both mango and pineapple are excellent sources of vitamin C, which supports immune health and skin vitality.
• Hydrating: With plenty of water and fresh fruit, this agua fresca keeps you hydrated while providing a natural boost of energy.
• Antioxidants: Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that aids digestion, while mango is packed with antioxidants like beta-carotene, which is great for skin and eye health.

Variations:

• For a Sparkling Twist: Replace some of the water with sparkling water or club soda for a fizzy, refreshing version.
• Herbal Infusions: Add fresh basil or cilantro to the mix for an extra layer of herbal flavor that complements the tropical fruit.
• Lower Sugar Option: Skip the sweetener altogether if your fruits are sweet enough, or use stevia or monk fruit for a sugar-free option.

This Mango Pineapple Agua Fresca is the ultimate tropical treat for any occasion. Light, healthy, and bursting with flavor, it’s perfect for warm weather, gatherings, or just as a daily refresher. Enjoy the tropical vibes with every sip!