Agua de naranja is my absolute favorite agua fresca to sip on while in Oaxaca. The first time I tasted it was at the entrance of the Tlacolula Sunday market. Made with fresh oranges, sugar, and water, it’s one of the easiest aguas frescas to make.

I love experimenting with different Mexican agua fresca flavors and just when I think I’ve tasted them all, I come across a new one. This typically happens when I’m in Oaxaca. A few summers ago, I tasted this orange Mexican drink for the very first time and it’s a flavor I now crave year-round! Thankfully I now know how to make it.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

High in vitamin C: Since I use fresh squeezed orange juice for this authentic agua fresca recipe, it’s loaded with immune-boosting vitamin C.
No artificial sweeteners: You can leave out the sweeteners altogether or use homemade simple syrup made with pure cane sugar.
Easy to make: While most aguas frescas require that you blend and strain fruit, this one is even easier and simply requires juicing and mixing!

WHAT IS AGUA FRESCA?

Agua fresca literally translates to fresh, cold, or refreshing water, but literal translations do little to describe the true essence of these fruit-forward and fun drinks.

Aguas frescas are non alcoholic beverages typically made by blending water and sugar with seasonal fruits and vegetables. Some are also made with dry ingredients such as rice, tamarind pods, and hibiscus, which are Mexican pantry staples.

According to the author and Mexican confections queen, Fany Gerson, aguas frescas have indigenous roots. “When Aztecs traveled from their farmlands to the markets in Tenochtitlan (what is now Mexico City), they would paddle through channels in the valley’s wetlands and mash some ripe fruit with water as a way to refresh themselves through the journey.”

Nowadays, aguas frescas are available just about everywhere in Mexico, from street-side food stands and ice cream shops in rural towns, to high-end restaurants in large cities. They are fresh, diversified, and vibrant and are part of daily life and culture in Mexico. While wildly popular in Mexico, aguas frescas are still relatively unknown in the U.S.

WHAT IS AGUA DE NARANJA?

Not to be confused with a naranjada, agua de naranja, is a type of agua fresca made with freshly squeezed orange juice, sugar, and water. A naranjada, on the other hand, is made with carbonated water. It’s one of my favorite aguas frescas and every time I visit Oaxaca’s Sunday market in Tlacolula, I get one upon arrival.

5 NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS OF AGUA DE NARANJA

Agua de naranja is not only delicious and refreshing but also packed with numerous health benefits (as long as you don’t overdo it on the sugar, of course!).

Agua de naranja is a refreshing way to stay hydrated, especially in hot weather, as it combines the hydration benefits of water with the natural electrolytes found in oranges.
Oranges are an excellent source of vitamin C, which boosts the immune system, aids in collagen production, and acts as an antioxidant to protect cells from damage.
Antioxidants such as flavonoids and beta-carotene also help reduce inflammation and protect against chronic diseases.
Oranges provide nutrients like vitamin A and carotenoids, which are essential for maintaining good vision and eye health.
The high vitamin C content supports skin health by promoting collagen production, which helps maintain skin elasticity and reduces signs of aging.

BEST Agua de Naranja (Orange Agua Fresca Recipe)

Once you try this recipe, be sure to check out my agua de limón and naranjada recipes!

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

Oranges: Valencia oranges are great for juicing, but any variety will work. My cousin sent me these naranjas from his tree in California and they were perfect for this recipe!
Water: Agua fresca is supposed to be light in texture, like a juice. It’s not a nectar, which is why I use plenty of water to thin it out.
Sweetener: I like to use pure cane sugar, simple syrup, agave, or dates to sweeten my aguas frescas.

RECOMMENDED FOR THIS RECIPE

Electric Citrus Juicer

I received this juicer as a wedding gift over 10 years ago and love it! If I’m juicing any more than 5 oranges, I prefer an electric juicer. VIEW PRODUCT

HOW TO MAKE AGUA DE NARANJA

1. Prepare oranges

Cut oranges in half.

2. Juice oranges

Using an electric or manual citrus press, extract juice from the oranges. You can also do this by hand, just be sure to use a strainer to catch any seeds.

3. Mix ingredients and enjoy

Pour orange juice into a large pitcher. Add water and sugar and mix well.
Add ice and serve chilled. Garnish with a fresh orange slice, if desired.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

For an additional boost of vitamin C, add fresh strawberries.
Try it with different citrus fruits. Tangerines, cara cara oranges, or blood oranges will be delicious in this recipe as well.
Feel free to use your favorite sweetener or skip the sugar altogether. I like to use pure cane sugar, simple syrup, agave, or dates to sweeten my aguas frescas.

HOW TO STORE AGUA FRESCA

Store agua fresca in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days, ensuring it stays fresh and chilled. Ingredients tend to settle at the bottom, so remember to stir your agua fresca before serving.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the health benefits of drinking agua de naranja?

Agua de naranja is hydrating, rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, supports immune health, aids digestion, and is low in calories. It’s also much easier to drink than straight orange juice, because it’s lighter in texture from the water mixed into it.

Is agua de naranja a good post-workout drink?

Yes, it is hydrating and provides natural sugars and electrolytes, making it a great option for replenishing energy post-exercise. Be sure to also check out my Iskiate (Hydrating Chia Drink from Born to Run Book) recipe for another post-workout drink recipe.

Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh oranges?

Yes, but fresh orange juice is preferred for its superior flavor and nutritional content. If you’re going to use bottled orange juice, make sure it’s 100% pure with no added sugars. I like Natalie’s or the Trader Joe’s organic brand.

Do I need to strain the orange juice?

If you really don’t like any pulp at all, you can, but there’s really no need to strain the orange juice because it gets watered down anyway.

What if my orange agua fresca is too tart?

Adjust the sweetness by adding a bit more sugar, honey, or another sweetener. You can also dilute it with more water to taste.

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