At The Educational Garden Project, we believe in the power of hands-on experiences to educate and inspire children. Making Agua Fresca with kids is a wonderful way to engage their senses, foster a love for fresh ingredients, and encourage them to explore different flavors.

Every time we make Agua Fresca at camp, children eagerly take part in every step of the process, from slicing the watermelon to blending and straining the juice. The joy on their faces as they pour the vibrant red liquid into glasses is simply priceless. Read along to see how its made and learn how to replicate it at home!

Making Agua Fresca is a delightful activity, and a favorite kitchen project of ours to do with kids in the summertime. This sweet beverage is not only a delicious, refreshing treat but also a fantastic opportunity to engage children in a fun, hands on experience.

Agua Fresca: A Summertime Favorite

Agua Fresca, meaning "fresh water" in Spanish, is a traditional Mexican beverage that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is made by blending fresh fruits or other ingredients with water, resulting in a light and flavorful drink. The origins of Agua Fresca can be traced back to ancient Aztec and Mayan civilizations, where they relied on the abundant fruits and herbs found in their surroundings to create refreshing beverages.

Why Make Agua Fresca with Kids?

Promotes Healthy Habits:

Agua Fresca is a healthier alternative to many store-bought sugary drinks. By involving kids in the preparation, you can show them the importance of choosing natural, nutritious ingredients and hydrating their bodies in a delicious way.

Encourages Creativity:

Making Agua Fresca provides an excellent opportunity for children to explore their creativity. They can experiment with various fruits, herbs, and even combinations of flavors, giving them a sense of ownership and pride in their creation. We made ours last week with watermelon, but you can also use cantaloupe, cucumber, papaya, strawberries, etc.  

Develops Practical Skills:

This project involves a series of steps that help develop essential practical skills. From cutting fruits to using blenders and double straining, children can learn about kitchen safety, food preparation, and basic cooking techniques.

Let's Get Started!

Now that we understand the significance of making Agua Fresca with kids, let's gather our materials and follow these step-by-step instructions:

Materials/Ingredients Needed:

Watermelon

Knives (With adult supervision. We like to pre-cut the watermelon then give kids butter knives to dice the fruit)

Blenders

Water

Sugar

Fresh herbs from the garden (mint and lemon balm are great choices)

Ice

Sparkling water (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Begin by cutting a watermelon into small, manageable pieces. Make sure to supervise children closely during this step.

2. Once the watermelon is ready, put the pieces into a blender along with a small amount of water.

3. Blend the watermelon until it becomes a smooth puree.

4. To remove any remaining pulp or seeds, double strain the juice into a large container.

5. Add ice to the container, allowing the juice to cool down and achieve the perfect refreshing temperature.

6. If you want more sweetness, prepare a simple syrup by dissolving sugar in an equal amount of hot water. Let it cool before adding it to the agua fresca.

7. At this point, we like to add in cans of sparkling water to create a more “soda” taste.

8. Finally, pluck some fresh herbs from your garden, such as mint and lemon balm, and gently crush them to release their fragrant flavors. Add them to the Agua Fresca mixture and stir gently.

Conclusion:

Congratulations! You and your little ones have successfully created a homemade batch of delicious Agua Fresca. This fun-filled activity not only provided a refreshing beverage but also offered valuable lessons in healthy choices, culinary skills, and creativity.