• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Elise Tries To Cook
  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Breakfast and Brunch
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Meal Prep Friendly Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Clean Eating Snacks
    • Clean Desserts
    • Cocktails
    • Juices and Smoothies
  • About
    • Privacy
    • Contact Me
  • Work With Me
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipe index
  • Cocktails and Drinks
  • Meal Prep Recipes
  • Dinner
  • Contact Me
  • About Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Orange Agua Fresca (Agua de Naranja)

    Published: Mar 29, 2021 · Modified: Apr 4, 2022 by Elise Shivamber · This post may contain affiliate links · 1 Comment

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This orange agua fresca recipe is easy, sweet and refreshing. Made with only three ingredients including freshly squeezed orange juice. This traditional Mexican agua de naranja is the perfect drink.

    A glass in the center garnished with an orange wedge.

    If you’ve never had an agua fresca, it’s a delicious, light and refreshing juice. This non-alcoholic drink is a traditional juice recipe from Mexico. It’s not the same as making fresh orange juice, but it’s a citrusy juice you need to try nonetheless!

    I never had agua fresca prior to my move to Southern California. They’re typically served in large plastic pitchers at a street taco vendor or on a cart on the side of the road. The most common of this fresh juice is hibiscus (or jamaica), cucumber (or pepino) and pineapple (or piña). 

    If you’re on the lookout for a healthier drink alternative, agua fresca is it! This agua de naranja is one of my favorite summer drink recipes. Best part is, you can make it your poolside cocktail too by adding a shot of liquor!

    What is agua fresca?

    Agua fresca is a traditional Mexican drink or juice. The literal translation of agua fresca is ‘fresh water’. It is water blended with fruit, tea, and/or vegetables. It is sweetened with sugar and served cold or over ice.

    Why this recipe works

    • This recipe has fresh and simple ingredients.
    • Perfect for serving a crowd of adults and kids alike!
    • A super quick pitcher recipe to make - it takes under 10 minutes.
    • Aguas frescas are a refreshing non-alcoholic drink that are always delicious, especially in the warm months! This recipe makes it on my list of best Summer drink recipes!

    Ingredient notes

    Ingredients to make orange agua fresca: oranges, water and honey.

    Fresh Oranges

    There are many different kinds of oranges, and it can be difficult to know which ones are best for making freshly squeezed orange juice. That’s why I created an Ultimate Guide to Orange for Juicing! The takeaway: for making this agua fresca I highly recommend using an orange that is in season (you can find out using the Seasonal Food Guide’s comprehensive database of seasonal food in the United States to determine when different varieties of oranges are in season in your state).

    My preferences are Navel, Cara Cara or Valencia oranges.

    Sweetener

    While oranges can be very sweet, I find that adding a little sweetener does wonders to bring out that delicious orange flavor. There’s many different sweetener options out there: honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, simple syrup, granulated sugar, the list goes on and on. My preferences for this recipe are honey and agave nectar. I find that maple syrup is too strong in taste and overrides the gentle orange flavor.

    Water

    This is an easy one! With any agua fresca recipe, you combine fruit with water. Because it’s an important ingredient, make sure to use filtered water if possible. You can also use sparkling or mineral water in this recipe since it’s not blended.

    Instructions

    Making an agua fresca recipe with oranges is actually easier than any other agua fresca. That’s because you can simply juice the citrus and not have to blend it!

    Step One: Juice the oranges. 

    For the first step of making agua de naranja, you have to juice the fresh oranges. There are many different ways to do this: citrus press, classic juicer, blender, and hand-squeezed.

    Hand squeezing the oranges is the cheapest option, but can be strenuous if making big batches. The quickest way to juice any citrus is to use a citrus press. 

    With a traditional juicer, most of the juice will remain in the pulp and you will have to strain the remaining pulp to release enough juice. To use a blender, you will have to remove the peels of the oranges prior to adding to the blender and then strain.

    A measuring cup of freshly squeezed orange juice with squeezed orange peels to the side.
    First, squeeze the oranges by hand, juicer, citrus press or blender.

    Step Two: Combine ingredients.

    Add water and sweetener to the freshly squeezed orange juice. Taste for sweetness, because some oranges will be more tart than others depending on what variety you use. 

    A measuring cup with water being poured into it.
    Next, add water to the freshly squeezed orange juice.
    Pouring honey into a measuring cup of orange juice and water.
    Finally, add sweetener (I suggest honey), and stir.

    Step Three: Stir and refrigerate.

    Finally, stir to dissolve the sweetener and combine the ingredients together. Refrigerate for a few hours (2 hours) to let the flavors meld together, or enjoy immediately over ice. 

    Expert Tips

    The variety of orange matters: Oranges can vary in sweetness depending on the variety and season. I recommend using the Seasonal Food Guide’s comprehensive database of seasonal food in the United States to determine when different varieties of oranges are in season in your state and using an in-season orange for the freshest agua fresca. 

    It is important to choose an orange variety that matches your flavor preferences and when determining how much sweetener to add. Some oranges may be very tart and may need much more sweetener if you prefer that, while others may be naturally extremely sweet. My typical top choices are Navel, Cara Cara or Valencia oranges. 

    Storage Directions: As with any fresh squeezed juice, enjoying this agua de naranja while fresh is best. If you do have any leftovers, store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

    FAQ's

    Is orange agua fresca the same as orange juice?

    No! Orange juice is just that: the juice of an orange. Agua fresca is always water combined with fresh fruit or juice, so it is pretty much a watered down version of orange juice! Both have the orange flavor, but in agua fresca it is much less prominent.

    What does agua fresca taste like?

    If you’ve never had agua fresca, think of it as a fruit-packed water, or like a lemonade or iced tea. Because the pulp is strained, the drink is smooth like water but packed with flavor.

    Can I use a juicer?

    Yes, you can definitely use a juicer to make this recipe, however a citrus press or hand-squeezing the oranges have the best result. To use a classic juicer, remove the peels of the oranges and juice. For the most juice, remove pulp and strain into a large bowl or measuring cup. You will be surprised at how much juice stays in the pulp!

    Two tall glasses of orange agua fresca with an orange wedge garnish and pitcher to the side.

    Related Recipes

    • Cucumber Agua Fresca
    • Vegan Horchata
    • Pineapple Agua Fresca
    • 8 Juicer Recipes for Energy

    If you try this recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave me a comment below so I know what you think! Follow Elise Tries to Cook on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, and Subscribe via email to receive the latest recipes!

    A glass in the center garnished with an orange wedge.

    Orange Agua Fresca (Agua de Naranja)

    Elise Shivamber
    This orange agua fresca recipe is easy, sweet and refreshing. Made with only three ingredients including freshly squeezed orange juice. This traditional Mexican agua de naranja is the perfect drink.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Total Time 40 mins
    Course Drinks
    Cuisine Mexican
    Servings 4 people
    Calories 46 kcal

    Equipment

    • Large Measuring Cup

    Ingredients
      

    • 1.25 cups orange juice, freshly squeezed about 5-6 oranges
    • 3 cups water
    • 2 teaspoons honey

    Instructions
     

    • Squeeze the oranges into a bowl or measuring cup.
      1.25 cups orange juice, freshly squeezed
    • Pour the freshly squeezed orange juice into a large pitcher.
    • Add the water and honey into the pitcher. Stir together until honey dissolves.
      3 cups water, 2 teaspoons honey
    • Refrigerate for a few hours (2 hours) to let the flavors meld together, or enjoy immediately over ice.

    Notes

    Storage Directions: As with any fresh squeezed juice, enjoying this agua de naranja while fresh is best. If you do have any leftovers, store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
    Four ways to juice oranges: Hand squeezing the oranges is the cheapest option, but can be strenuous if making big batches. The quickest way to juice any citrus is to use a citrus press.  
    With a traditional juicer, most of the juice will remain in the pulp and you will have to strain the remaining pulp to release enough juice. To use a blender, you will have to remove the peels of the oranges prior to adding to the blender and then strain.
    The variety of orange matters: Oranges can vary in sweetness depending on the variety and season. I recommend using the Seasonal Food Guide’s comprehensive database of seasonal food in the United States to determine when different varieties of oranges are in season in your state and using an in-season orange for the freshest agua fresca. 
    It is important to choose an orange variety that matches your flavor preferences and when determining how much sweetener to add. Some oranges may be very tart and may need much more sweetener if you prefer that, while others may be naturally extremely sweet. My typical top choices are Navel, Cara Cara or Valencia oranges. 
    Choosing the sweetener: There’s many different sweetener options out there: honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, simple syrup, granulated sugar, the list goes on and on. My preferences for this recipe are honey and agave nectar. I find that maple syrup is too strong in taste and overrides the gentle orange flavor.
     

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1cupCalories: 46kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 10mgPotassium: 157mgFiber: 1gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 155IUVitamin C: 39mgCalcium: 14mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword agua fresca, orange, pitcher drink
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
    « Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
    Authentic Mexican Chilaquiles Rojos »

    Sign up!

    For clean eats and drinks recipes sent directly to your inbox!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jonathan

      August 23, 2021 at 11:32 am

      5 stars
      Citrusy and fresh. This is similar to how my mom used to make it in Mexico!

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Elise Shivamber Photo

    Hey there, I’m Elise! I use fresh, simple ingredients to make a healthy lifestyle more accessible. With clean ingredients, these recipes will make your heart and belly happy. Thanks for making me a part of your cooking journey!

    About →

    Fave Holiday Beverages

    • 5 ingredient sangria,easy sangria,red wine sangria,easy red wine sangria,best wine to use in a sangria,best wine to use in a red wine sangria,what fruit can i put in my sangria,classic ingredients in a sangria,5 ingredient red wine sangria
      Red Wine Sangria (5 Ingredients!)
    • Spiked Apple Cider,Kombucha
      Spiked Apple Cider Kombucha Cocktail
    • Sage-Infused Bee's Knees Cocktail
    • Winter Aperol Spritz,aperol spritz,cocktail,spiced orange & cranberry,simple syrup,aperol,prosecco
      Winter Aperol Spritz
    Sign Up! For weekly emails.

    Fave Sides

    • couscous salad,israelí couscous salad,pearled couscous salad,pearled couscous,israeli couscous,caramelized fennel salad,should you wash pearled couscous?,bbq side dishes
      Vegan Couscous Salad
    • eggplant dip greek,eggplant dip,eggplant dips,dip eggplant,roast eggplant dip,eggplant dip roasted,recipe for eggplant dip,eggplant dips recipe,eggplant recipes dip,roasted eggplant dip,recipes for eggplant dip,eggplant greek dip,greek eggplant dip,mediterranean eggplant dip,recipe roasted eggplant dip,healthy dip for veggies,healthy veggie dips,dips recipes healthy,healthy dip recipes,whipped eggplant,roasted eggplant and garlic dip,roasted eggplant and garlic,eggplant and garlic recipes,eggplant and garlic,healthy mid morning and afternoon snack,healthy afternoon snacks at work,healthy afternoon snack for kids,mid afternoon snack healthy,healthy mid afternoon snack,hummus eggplant,eggplant hummus,eggplant hummus recipe,hummus with eggplant,roasted eggplant hummus recipe,dips for appetizers,cold dips for appetizers
      Creamy Greek Roasted Eggplant Dip
    • healthier potato salad,brussels sprouts potato salad,healthy potato salad,mayo-less potato salad,what is in a potato salad,how to make a brussels sprouts potato salad,best potatoes for a potato salad,which potatoes should i use in a potato salad,how long to boil potatoes for a potato salad,potato salad with mustard
      Easy Vegan Potato Salad with Dill
    • kale fennel dried fig salad,kale fennel salad,kale dried fig salad,how long to massage kale,how to prepare fennel for a kale fennel salad,how do i pick the best fennel,can i eat fennel fronds,what does fennel taste like,how to cut fennel,kale fennel and dried fig salad
      Kale Fennel Dried Fig Salad with Lemon Chive Dressing

    New Recipes

    • Easy Chicken Fajita Tacos
    • Fajita Veggies (Chipotle Copycat)
    • Easy Dutch Oven Shredded Chicken
    • Gluten Free Sweet Potato Fries

    As Featured In

    the food gawker logo of a bowl above food gawker text
    the feed feed logo of circle surrounding two spoons

    Footer

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About Me
    • Privacy Policy

    Let's Connect!

    • Find us on Facebook
    • Find us on Instagram
    • Find us on Pinterest
    • Newsletter

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work With Me

    Copyright © 2022 Elise Tries to Cook

    AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE AFFILIATE, I EARN FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES.