Agua de Papaya (Papaya Agua Fresca)

If you love papayas, you’re going to love agua de papaya. Papaya agua fresca is a refreshing Mexican drink made with three simple ingredients: fresh papaya, water, and sugar. So drink up and stay hydrated while boosting your vitamin C intake!

Love it or hate it, papaya has a unique flavor (and smell) that tends to be polarizing. Some people adore its sweet, tropical taste and smooth texture. Others, however, find its flavor too strong or slightly off-putting. One of my cousins says it smells like baby barf and can’t bring herself to even taste it! Despite this, it’s a popular fruit in Mexico eaten with lime and chili. It is also used to make papaya agua fresca, especially during the summer months when this tropical fruit abounds.

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. This is true of the translation of melon water – this name just misses the mark!

These non-alcoholic beverages are 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. They’re also perfect to drink during warm summer months.

Aguas Frescas in Mexico

WHAT IS AGUA DE PAPAYA?

Agua de papaya is a refreshing Mexican drink made by blending fresh papaya with water, and sugar, then straining and serving it chilled over ice. The tropical flavor of the papaya makes for a unique and hydrating beverage that’s perfect for warm weather.

WHY I LOVE THIS RECIPE

Reminiscent of summers in Oaxaca, this papaya agua fresca recipe has a special place in my heart. Here are a few reasons to love this recipe:

  • Easy to make: This delightful agua fresca takes about 5 to 10 minutes to prepare (it really depends on how fast you can peel and cut a papaya!) with just a handful of ingredients.
  • Refreshing hydration: My agua de papaya is great for quenching thirst.
  • Nutrient-rich: It’s packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber.
  • Low-calorie: I always love low-calorie alternatives to sugary sodas and juices.
  • Versatile: Enjoy it as a drink on its own, or use it as a base for cocktails and mocktails.

NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS OF PAPAYA

  • Papaya is an excellent source of vitamin C, providing more than 100% of the recommended daily intake per serving. This boosts the immune system, promotes skin health, and aids in wound healing.
  • Papaya contains the enzyme papain, which helps break down proteins and supports digestive health. Its high fiber content also promotes regular bowel movements and prevents constipation.
  • Papaya is packed with antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin A, and flavonoids. These help neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, support skin health, and potentially lower the risk of chronic diseases.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

  • Papaya: I use fresh papaya, but if you can find it frozen (at a Mexican grocery store), that would work, too.  
  • Sweetener: I like to use pure cane sugar, simple syrup, agave, or dates to sweeten my aguas frescas.
  • 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.

RECOMMENDED FOR THIS RECIPE

Vitamin Professional-Grade Blender

Jugo Verde

HOW TO MAKE THIS RECIPE

1. Remove seeds from papaya

  • Cut papaya in half, and using a small spoon, scoop seeds out of the center of the papaya

2. Chop papaya

  • Peel and chop half of a papaya into large chunks

3. Blend ingredients

  • Working in batches, process the papaya chunks, sugar, and 4 cups of water on medium setting for 60 seconds

4. Strain and mix

  • Strain the papaya water mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a pitcher to remove any pulp. Stir in remaining 2 cups of water.
Agua de Papaya - A Great Way to Drink Your Vitamin C!

4. Serve and enjoy

  • Serve over ice and enjoy chilled.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

  • For an additional boost of vitamin C, add fresh strawberries.
  • For a tart twist, add a squeeze of lime juice.
  • 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 can I do if my agua de papaya is too thick?

This happens all too often when people don’t strain their aguas frescas. I have a friend who told me she didn’t know why her agua de pepino was so thick, and it was because she didn’t know she had to strain it. Always remember that Mexican aguas frescas light and refreshing; not thick like a nectar. If even after straining your agua fresca, it’s still too thick, add more water. My general rule of thumb is to blend anywhere from 2 to 4 cups of fresh fruit with 4 cups of water. Then strain it and mix in an additional two cups of water.

How do I choose a ripe papaya for the recipe?

Look for a papaya with yellow-orange skin that yields slightly to pressure and has a sweet aroma at the stem end. If you only find firm papayas, let it sit out on the counter for 2 to 3 days to allow time for it to ripen.

Is agua de papaya okay for kids to drink?

Yes, it’s a hydrating and nutritious beverage that kids will enjoy and you can adjust the sweetness according to their preference.

Can I use a sweetener other than sugar?

Yes, I like to use simple syrup, agave, honey, and sometimes even dates to sweeten my aguas frescas. You can also use sugar substitutes.

LOOKING FOR MORE AGUA FRESCA RECIPES?

Agua de Papaya - A Great Way to Drink Your Vitamin C!

Agua de Papaya (Papaya Agua Fresca)

by Lola Dweck
Loaded with vitamin C, agua de papaya is a delightful Mexican drink made with three simple ingredients: fresh papaya, water, and sugar.
5 from 6 votes
Course Drinks
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 8
Calories 40 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 papaya medium in size
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 6 cups water divided

Instructions
 

  • Remove seeds from papaya. Cut papaya in half, and using a small spoon, scoop seeds out of the center of the papaya.
  • Chop papaya. Peel and chop half of a papaya into large chunks.
  • Blend ingredients. Working in batches, process the papaya chunks, sugar, and 4 cups of water on medium setting for 60 seconds.
  • Strain and mix. Strain the papaya water mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a pitcher to remove any pulp. Stir in remaining 2 cups of water.
  • Serve and enjoy. Serve over ice and enjoy chilled.

A Note from Lola

RECIPE VARIATIONS
  • For an additional boost of vitamin C, add fresh strawberries.
  • For a sour twist, add a squeeze of lime juice.
  • 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.

Nutrition

Serving: 8ouncesCalories: 40kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 0.1gFat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.01gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.01gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.01gSodium: 10mgPotassium: 35mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 181IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 9mgIron: 0.1mg
40
LOVE THIS RECIPE?Leave a comment below or tag me on social media @lolascoina

Lola Wiarco Dweck

Lola is a Mexican-American recipe developer, writer, and cooking instructor who loves sharing her culture with the world. Growing up in California and spending summers in Mexico, Lola celebrates her family’s Mexican recipes and vibrant culture through Lola’s Cocina.

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Recipe Rating




11 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    In my 23 years of life I have never tried papaya. This drink looks both pretty and refreshing. Thanks for the tip on picking the right papaya because I would have had no clue! Do you recommend straining multiple times?

  2. 5 stars
    Man!!
    Can’t get healthier than this!!
    It’s refreshing and delicious and helps with my digestive issues
    Thanks miss Lola’s cocina

  3. 5 stars
    Es una receta bastante practica y rica , siempre le agrego un poco de juego de naranja para darle otro saborcito.