Mexican Fruit Cooler Recipes

AGUAS FRESCAS (MEXICAN FRUIT COOLERS)

Steps:

• Stir the sugar and water together in a large pitcher until the sugar dissolves. Measure out 1 cup. Puree the fruit and the 1 cup sugar water in a blender. Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer back into the pitcher with the sugar water, mashing with a whisk or wooden spoon to eliminate any pulp.
• Taste and add more sugar, if desired. Serve over ice, with a lemon or lime wedge, if desired.

FRUIT COOLER

Steps:

• In a blender, combine the juices, strawberries and sugar. Cover and process until smooth. Transfer to a pitcher; stir in water. Serve in chilled glasses over ice.

BIONICOS (MEXICAN FRUIT BOWLS)

Steps:

• Mix yogurt, sweetened condensed milk, and crema in a bowl. Add vanilla extract and stir until well incorporated.
• Divide cantaloupe, papaya, apple, and banana among 4 individual bowls, arranging them in separate sections. Place strawberries in the center of each bowl. Top each bowl with 1/8 cup each granola, raisins, and coconut.
• Drizzle 1/4 cup of the crema mixture over each fruit bowl.

FRUIT COOLER

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth.
• Pour over ice and serve.

MEXICAN TAMARIND COOLER (AGUA DE TAMARINDO)

Steps:

• Unpeel the fresh tamarind pods.
• Scrape any remaining peel bits under running water,.
• Bring unpeeled tamarind to boil in some of the recipe water.
• Simmer for about 3 min.
• Let cool and with hands get the pits out.
• Process unpitted pulp in blender.
• Sweeten remainding water.
• Mix everything together.
• Sieve for any remaining pulp threads or peel bits.
• Chill and enjoy.

FIZZY FERMENTED FRUIT COOLERS (FINNISH SIMA)

Steps:

• Combine 2 gallons water, sugar, cranberry sauce, limes, mulberries, lemon juice, dates, 1/3 cup raisins, and ground ginger in a large pot over high heat. Heat mixture until boiling, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, 20 to 30 minutes.
• Boil a kettle of water and use it to rinse the rim and inside of a 5-gallon food-safe container or bucket. Rinse a second time.
• Pour the hot sugar-fruit mixture into the sterilized container. Top off with boiling water to 1 or 2 inches below the rim. Cover the container with a clean thin plastic sheet and secure with a large rubber band. Place in a draft-free area until cool, 4 to 5 hours.
• Combine 1/2 cup water and 10 raisins in a small pot over medium heat. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat, cover tightly, and let cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes. Stir in brewers' yeast. Cover sima tightly and let sit until mixture is a bit foamy, 6 to 12 hours.
• Sterilize a spoon with boiling water. Stir the hydrated yeast mixture and pour it into the sugar-fruit mixture in the 5-gallon container. Stir; there should be some bubbles and foam.
• Cover the 5-gallon container again with the plastic sheet and secure with the rubber band. Add a layer of newspaper and a board or piece of plywood on top; this will keep out air while allowing carbon dioxide to escape.
• Allow the sima to ferment for 2 days to 3 weeks, depending on the amount of fermentation and alcohol content you desire.
• Sterilize 10 plastic 1.5-liter soda bottles and caps with a 2% bleach solution. Rinse bottles well and allow to air dry.
• Fill the bottles with sima and cap them. Let the bottles sit at room temperature until hardened; store in the refrigerator 8 hours to overnight or until serving.

MEXICAN FRUIT COOLER

Steps:

• In a blender combine all ingredients and blend on high speed until completely smooth. Pour cooler through a fine sieve into a glass pitcher. Chill cooler and stir before serving.