Prickly pear agua fresca with lime, sweet and refreshing.
About this recipe
Agua fresca made from red prickly pear fruit with a touch of lime. A refreshing drink with vibrant colour and delicate sweet flavour.
History & Origin
Prickly pear water is one of Mexico's most emblematic and ancient drinks, made from the fruit of the nopal cactus, a national symbol appearing on the Mexican coat of arms. The prickly pear has been consumed for over 9,000 years in Mesoamerica. The Aztecs called it "nochtli" and considered it sacred. The founding of Tenochtitlan is linked to the legend of the eagle perched on a nopal. Red prickly pears are the most popular for aguas frescas due to their spectacular colour and natural sweetness.
Estimated cost
£6.67
Total cost
£1.11
Per serving
* Approximate prices based on UK supermarkets
Nutritional information per serving
70
Calories
1g
Protein
16g
Carbohydrates
0.5g
Fat
2g
Fibre
5mg
Sodium
* Approximate values. May vary depending on ingredients used.
Method
- 1
Peel the prickly pears carefully using a fork and knife to avoid the fine spines. Cut off the ends and remove the skin.
💡 Wear gloves if the prickly pears have many fine spines (ahuates).
- 2
Blend the peeled prickly pears with a glass of water for 30 seconds.
- 3
Strain the mixture through a fine sieve to remove the hard seeds. Press well to extract all the juice.
- 4
Pour into a jug, add the remaining water, lime juice and sugar to taste. Mix well, refrigerate and serve with ice.
💡 Red prickly pears give a more vibrant colour; white ones are sweeter.
Have you tried this recipe?
Tell us how it turned out. Your feedback helps other cooks.
Leave a reviewRelated Articles
Rate this recipe
Founder, Recetas Mexas
Mexican from Puebla, IT professional and foodie. Author of 1000+ authentic Mexican recipes adapted for home kitchens worldwide. Based in Madrid since 2018.
Read moreRelated Recipes
Clamato Preparado
Tomato and clam juice with lime, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce and a tajín rim.
Mexican Flag (Bandera Mexicana Tequila Ritual)
Three shot glasses representing the colours of the Mexican flag.
Chiapas Pozol (Cacao Corn Drink)
Pre-Hispanic Chiapas drink of corn masa and cacao dissolved in cold water.
Hibiscus Water
Chilled hibiscus flower infusion, tangy and deeply refreshing.
Related Guides
Learn more about these ingredients and dishes
Enjoyed this?
Follow on TikTok for Mexican recipe & restaurant videos, and get updates by email.