Sour Cactus Fruit Agua Fresca

Agua de Xoconostle

Mexico has an infinite variety of aguas frescas. Enjoy this one prepared with xoconostle, a sour cactus fruit. The peak season for xoconostle is summer and fall but you can often find it year-round.

Where to Buy Cactus Fruit

There is a good chance that your local Mexican or Latin market will carry fresh xoconostle cactus fruit. Look for it in the produce section. 

How to Clean Cactus Fruit

Don’t be intimidated by the cactus fruits. They are very easy to clean. Slice the ends off the cactus fruit then score the skin lengthwise. Use the blade of you knife to peel off the outer layer. Scoop out the seeds with small spoon. See the tutorial here.

Preparing the Base

Blend the cleaned fruit with 4 cups of water and 1/2 cup sugar for 1 minute. After blending, strain the mixture to remove the pulp. Add the remaining 4 cups water and stir well.

Serving

Serve over ice. Enjoy aguas frescas with your mid-day meal. They are a healthy alternative to sodas.

Storing

It will keep in the fridge for 3 days but we like it best when served freshly made.

More Agua Fresca Recipes

Here are some of our favorites. Give them all a try. 

• Watermelon Agua Fresca
• Tamarind Agua Fresca
• Jamaica Agua Fresca
• Chia Agua Fresca
• Horchata

Print

Sour Cactus Fruit Agua Fresca

Prep 10 mins

Total 10 mins

Author Andrés Carnalla

Yield 8 Medium glasses

Tangy Mexican agua fresca prepared with a sour cactus fruit called xoconostle and brown sugar. An easy to make drink which is a delicious healthy alternative to sodas.

Ingredients

• 4 xoconostle cactus fruits
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 8 cups water

Instructions

1. Clean the cactus fruit by removing outer skin and seeds
2. Blend the cleaned cactus fruit with 4 cups of water and 1/2 cup sugar for 1 minute.
3. After blending, strain the mixture to remove the pulp.
4. Add the remaining 4 cups water and stir well.
5. Serve over ice.

Notes

• You don't need to add lime. The drink is already quite tart from the xoconostle.
• Add more sugar is you prefer a sweeter drink.
• Try preparing this drink with tunas, the sweet prickly pear cactus fruit.

Courses Drink

Cuisine Mexican

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1 cup

Amount Per Serving
Calories 43
% Daily Value
Sodium 3 mg		0%
Total Carbohydrates 11 g		4%
	Sugars 9 g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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