Agua de limón is one of my favorite aguas frescas and takes me back to Mexico’s vibrant mercados with just one sip. It’s the Mexican equivalent to lemonade, only a little more tart because I make mine with small key limes. This recipe is very easy to make, and a hand-held citrus press is key!

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.

WHAT IS AGUA DE LIMÓN?

Agua de limón is a traditional Mexican drink made with water, lime juice, and sugar and served over ice. It’s probably one of the most popular aguas frescas in Mexico (along with agua de jamaica and agua de horchata) and happens to be a childhood favorite of mine. The sweet-tart flavor of this drink transports me to Mexico, where it’s almost always available at mercados and restaurants.

FRESHLY SQUEEZED LIME JUICE VS BLENDED LIMES

Typically, agua de limón is made by mixing freshly squeezed lime juice with water and sugar or simple syrup. Although some recipes call for actually blending the entire lime (cut into fourths) with water and sugar, and then straining the mixture. This is great option if you’re in a pinch and have to make a small batch quickly. However, with this version, you’ll have to drink it within an hour or so because the drink will turn bitter the longer it sits due to the blending of the pith and peel. However you make it, agua de limón is the ultimate hydrating drink!

BEST Agua de Limón Recipe (Mexican Lime Agua Fresca)

BENEFITS OF DRINKING AGUA DE LIMÓN

This agua con limon mixture offers a variety of benefits.

Vitamin C from the limes helps boost the immune system. As a powerful antioxidant, vitamin C also helps protect the body from free radical damage, reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Limes contain essential electrolytes like potassium, which help maintain the body’s fluid balance, so it’s a great drink to stay hydrated during workouts, without fake ingredients or processed sugars.
The acidity of lime juice can stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, which aids in digestion and relieve issues like indigestion and bloating, serving as a natural laxative.

WHY I LOVE THIS RECIPE

Simple to prepare: This recipe requires just two ingredients (plus water), so you can whip it up in just a few minutes.
Natural hydration + energy: Agua de limón is the ultimate thirst-quencher, and it goes well with just about any meal! I use organic cane sugar for my agua de limon, so it provides a quick energy boost without the crash associated with processed sugars or energy drinks.
Easy to customize: While I prefer the smaller Mexican or key limes for this recipe, you can make this recipe with regular limes or any of your favorite citrus fruits. You can also use as much or little sweetener as you’d like. I like to switch it up and sometimes use honey, agave, or simple syrup in place of cane sugar.

Once you’ve tried this recipe, be sure to check out my Mexican Sparkling Limonada and Iskiate Chia Drink recipes!

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

Limes: I prefer using key limes for my agua de limon – they’re smaller, but much more sour so a little goes a long way. However, regular limes will also work in this recipe.
Sweetener: I like to use can sugar, honey, agave, or simple syrup (boil equal parts water and sugar until sugar is dissolved) in this recipe. This is one agua fresca that I believe requires some sort of sweetener because the limes are very tart.
Water: The right lime to water ratio is key in this recipe. It shouldn’t be too watery because this will dilute the lime flavor.

RECOMMENDED BY LOLA

SMALL, HANDHELD CITRUS PRESS

There’s really no way around extracting the juice from limes by hand, so you might as well invest in a good citrus press. VIEW PRODUCT

HOW TO MAKE AGUA DE LIMÓN

1. Juice the limes

Using a hand-held citrus press (or your hands), extract the juice from limes

2. Strain lime juice into pitcher

Pour mixture through a fine mesh sieve into the pitcher to strain out any seeds.

3. Mix and enjoy

Using a wooden spoon, mix lime juice with water and sugar until sugar is completely dissolved.
Chill or serve immediately over ice.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

Use your favorite citrus fruit to make this recipe. Oranges, lemons, tangerines, and even blood oranges work, although you’ll most likely have to taste and adjust the sugar.
Use sweetener of your choice for this recipe and adjust level of sweetness to your liking. I prefer to use cane sugar, honey, agave, or simple syrup.
If you have diabetes or are watching your sugar intake, my advice would be to reduce the sweetener in this recipe or use agave, which has a lower glycemic index (GI) compared to other sweeteners like sugar or honey. This means it causes a slower, smaller spike in blood sugar levels. However, it’s still high in fructose, so moderation is key.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is agua de limón healthy?

Yes, it’s hydrating and packed with vitamin C from the limes, but it’s best to use moderate amounts of sugar.

Can I use other sweeteners in agua de limón?

Yes, you can use alternatives like agave syrup, honey, or a sugar substitute like stevia.

What’s the difference between limonada and agua de limón?

Limonada is a type of agua fresca made with freshly squeezed lime juice, sugar (or simple syrup), and sparkling or mineral water. Agua de limón, on the other hand, is made with still water.

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.

HOW TO SERVE AGUA DE LIMÓN

Agua de limón is best served over plenty of ice! If you’re hosting a special occasion or just want to create a memorable Mexican fiesta menu, below are a few ideas from appetizers and main dishes, to sides and salsas. Of course, I’d wash it all down with my agua de limon.

LOOKING FOR MORE AGUA FRESCA RECIPES?

Here are a few of my favorite aguas frescas:

BEST Agua de Limón con Chía (Mexican Lime Drink with Chia)

Agua de Limón con Chía (Lime Agua Fresca with Chia)

by Lola Dweck

Agua de limón con chia is made with chia seeds, water, lime juice, and sugar. It's is a classic agua fresca flavor that you can find just about anywhere in Mexico – from mercados and street-side vendors, to hole-in-the-wall restaurants and fancy food establishments.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Course Drinks

Cuisine Mexican

Servings

Calories 76 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

3/4 cups lime juice freshly squeezed, from about 10-15 limes
8 cups water
1/2 cup sugar or to taste (1 cup for full Mexican sweetness)
8 cups ice
3 tablespoons chia seeds

Instructions

Juice the limes. Using a hand-held citrus press (or your hands), extract the juice from limes. Pour mixture through a fine mesh sieve into the pitcher to strain out any seeds.
Add water, chia seeds, and sugar. Add water to the pitcher and sprinkle in chia seeds. Add sugar, stir, and then allow the mixture to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This allows the seeds to absorb the liquid and plump up. Stir occasionally to avoid clumps. Taste and adjust sugar if necessary.
Chill and enjoy. Chill or serve immediately over ice.
PRO TIP: Dip the rim of the glass in honey or agave, and then chia seeds for that extra wow factor.

A Note from Lola

RECIPE VARIATIONS

Use your favorite citrus fruit to make this recipe. Oranges, lemons, tangerines, and even blood oranges work, although you’ll most likely have to adjust the sugar.
Use sweetener of your choice for this recipe and adjust level of sweetness to your liking. I prefer to use cane sugar, honey, agave, or simple syrup.
If you have diabetes or are watching your sugar intake, my advice would be to reduce the sweetener in this recipe or use agave, which has a lower glycemic index (GI) compared to other sweeteners like sugar or honey. This means it causes a slower, smaller spike in blood sugar levels. However, it’s still high in fructose, so moderation is key.

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: 76kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gTrans Fat: 0.01gSodium: 25mgPotassium: 45mgFiber: 2gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 14IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 46mgIron: 0.4mg

LOVE THIS RECIPE?Leave a comment below or tag me on social media @lolascoina

Recipe originally published November 6, 2013 and updated with more clear instructions and photos on September 23, 2024.

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.

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