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.
How to Make
Gather your ingredients. You’ll need:
- 4 xoconostle cactus fruits
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 8 cups water
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.
Sour Cactus Fruit Agua Fresca
Ingredients
- 4 xoconostle cactus fruits
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 8 cups water
Instructions
- Clean the cactus fruit by removing outer skin and seeds
- Blend the cleaned cactus 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.
- 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.
Nutrition
Let us know what you think in the comments below.
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