Agua de Guayaba (Guava Agua Fresca)
Agua de Guayaba (guava agua fresca) is a refreshing Mexican drink made by blending fresh guava fruit, water, and a touch of sweetener. This guava drink is perfect to make in the fall when fresh guavas are in abundance.
Guavas are oftentimes recognized by their characteristic scent that can admittedly be overwhelming for some. On a recent visit to my mother’s home in Chino, California I noticed that she had guavas that were all but falling from her tree (this is usually the case with guavas in California in the fall).
The ripe guava fruit was calling my name, so I decided to prepare a delicious agua fresca de guayaba.
Water helps dilute the guava’s intense flavor and you are left with a fresh and healthy drink. These tropical fruits are great for your skin and contain five times the vitamin C found in oranges!
WHAT IS GUAYABA?
Guayaba, also known as guava in English, is a tropical fruit native to Central and South America. It has a sweet and fragrant flavor, often enjoyed fresh, juiced, or in jams and desserts. Guayaba is rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, contributing to its popularity in Mexico and beyond.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF AGUA DE GUAYABA
Guava agua fresca offers several health benefits:
Rich in vitamin C: Guava nectar is packed with vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system and can help protect against colds and infections.
Antioxidant properties: Guava fruit contains antioxidants that can help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Digestive health: This guava drink contains dietary fiber, which can aid in digestion and promote a healthy digestive system.
Hydration: Guava juice is a hydrating beverage with less processed sugar than store-bought juices.
Nutrient rich: Guayabas is a nutrient-dense fruit, providing essential vitamins and minerals that contribute to overall health and vitality.
INGREDIENTS
- Fresh guavas – I love the pink variation for this recipe, but any guayabas work. Just remember to reduce the quantity if they’re extra large.
- Sweetener of choice – I like to use organic cane sugar, agave, honey, or dates to sweeten my agua fresca.
- Water
HOW TO MAKE THIS RECIPE
Step 1
Begin by preparing the fruit. Cut off each end of the guavas and then cut them in half.
Step 2
Next, blend the ingredients. Working in batches if necessary, process the guavas, sweetener, and 3 cups of water on medium setting for 60 seconds.
Step 3
Then, strain ingredients. Strain the guava water through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a pitcher to remove any seeds or remaining pulp. Stir in remaining 3 cups of water.
Step 4
Finally, chill and enjoy. Serve over ice. Refrigerate the agua de guayaba for at least one hour before serving. When ready to serve, add to a glass with plenty of ice and garnish with strawberry, sliced guava, or herbs such as rosemary or mint.
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. Stir before serving as ingredients tend to settle at the bottom when sitting.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I use other sweeteners?
Yes, you can use alternative sweeteners. My favorite natural sweeteners are agave syrup, honey, and dates. Adjust the sweetness according to your taste.
Can I add other fruits to agua de guayaba?
Absolutely! Some variations include adding strawberries or fresh orange juice. In Oaxaca, I even tried an agua de guayaba mixed with agua de tamarindo and agua de horchata!
How long does agua de guayaba stay fresh?
It’s best consumed fresh, but you can refrigerate agua de guayaba for up to 2-3 days. Shake or stir before serving if any separation occurs.
LOOKING FOR MORE AGUAS FRESCAS RECIPES?
- Atole de Guayaba (Pink Guava Atole)
- Agua de Melon (Cantaloupe Agua Fresca)
- Agua de Tuna (Prickly Pear Agua Fresca)
- Maracuya Drink (Passion Fruit Agua Fresca)
- Strawberry Agua Fresca with Beets
- Agua de Piña y Pepino (Pineapple Cucumber Agua Fresca)
- Agua de Avena
- Spicy Prickly Pear Mezcal Paletas
- Dressing Up Your Drinks: 16 Recipes and Ideas for Easy Rims and Garnishes
- Raspberry Prickly Pear Agua Fresca
Agua de Guayaba (Guava Agua Fresca)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 10 guavas small to medium size
- 6 cups water
- 1/4 cup agave nectar or sugar, to taste
Instructions
- Cut off ends of guavas and slice in half.
- Working in batches, blend with 3 cups water and sweetener on medium setting for 60 seconds.
- Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into large pitcher. You may need to agitate the mixture to let the juice through, avoid pushing through the pulp to keep juice light in consistency. Compost or discard seeds and pulp.
- Stir in remaining water.
- Chill and serve over ice. Garnish with sliced fresh slice of guava, strawberry, or fresh herbs such as rosemary or mint.
A Note from Lola
Nutrition
Recipe originally published on November 4, 2014
Lola’s Cocina is a small business that earns various revenue streams. This includes sponsored posts and affiliate commissions from linked products, which I use and love. This commission is an agreement between Lola’s Cocina and retailers, with no extra cost to readers. This income helps sustains the site.
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.
I can’t believe you picked those guavas from your mom’s garden! They are beautiful. I love the smell of guayabas. It always transports me to my days in Mexico City.
I know – they were literally falling off of her tree! Their aroma totally reminds me of the mercados in Mexico.
I also made cascos de guayaba en almíbar (guavas in syrup) when I was at my mom’s and served them with cream cheese. It’s a delicious dessert the Cubans make really well.
Mi familia le gusta.
That’s great! Guava season is coming soon, too.
We all loved this drink. It was cool and refreshing and not one person had a negative thing to say about it.
Thank you. So happy to hear that you liked it!
I love guayabas. We used to drink something similar when we used to go to Puerto Rico.
I love that most places outside of the US with Latinx influence have their spin on Aguas Frescas!
My guavas were not super ripe and this still tasted great!
Glad to hear! You can always adjust the sweetener based on the sweetness of the fruit.