Lucky 7: Aguas Frescas {Refreshing Springtime Sips}
Words Kim Andrade
Nothing’s quite as refreshing as an ice cold cup of Jamaica, horchata, or whichever agua fresca flavor hits the spot. These delectable drinks originated from Mexico and are made from fruit, flowers, seeds, and of course, water and sugar. Aguas frescas or “fresh waters” are often displayed in giant, clear jarras that show off their vibrant colors. So if you’re looking to quench your thirst as it heats up, grab an agua fresca at one of these local Latin bistros.
Veracruz Fonda & Bar
Owned by Reyna and Maritza Vazques – sisters and best friends – Veracruz All Natural has multiple locations around Austin that serve authentic Mexican food. The sisters brought the Mexican flavors with them when they moved to Austin. Besides their mouth-watering tacos, Vera Cruz is known for their aguas frescas which are sure to cure your thirst. Vera Cruz carries a variety of flavors, but their horchata is the fan favorite, a rich and cinnamon-y adventure. 1905 Aldrich St #125 | 2505 Webberville Rd. | @veracruztacos
JD’s Supermarket #6
What may seem like a simple mercado is not only a great place to buy basic groceries or central American staples, but it’s also just the place to get an agua fresca. Tucked within the produce and dairy products is a small café that sells tortas, hamburguesas, and – you guessed it – aguas frescas. So while you’re doing your weekend shopping, you can sip on a deliciously sweet and refreshing cup of horchata or agua de piña sandía. 9111 FM 812 | @jdssupermarkets
Hay Elotes
If you’re looking for a not-so-little snack, Hay Elotes is the place. They have elaborate fruit cups, nachos drenched in ooey-gooey cheese, sweet and spicy mangonadas, tostilocos, and more. Their aguas frescas – just like their snacks – will not disappoint, and their melón agua fresca is a must-taste. It’s an opportunity to sip on a tangy dream that is sure to quench your thirst. 2214 E 7th St. | @HayElotesAustin
Las Mangonadas
Another fantastic locale for a snack is Las Mangonadas, tucked in the corner of a plaza on Airport Boulevard. This childlike parlor is painted in vibrant pink and green and massive images of their antojitos adorn the walls. Their mangonadas, nieves, and paletas are sublime, but their aguas frescas are the perfect hot day refresher. The agua fresca de piña is a necessity. It’s sweet and slightly acidic, giving a boost of dopamine that you will never forget. 144 Airport Blvd. | @lasmangonadas
De Nada Cantina
Vibrant, colorful, and lively are the first words that come to mind when you step into De Nada Cantina. De Nada, the embodiment of papel picado, is the perfect place for catching up while you and your besties sip on a hibiscus, watermelon, or guava agua fresca. Served in tall glasses with heaps of ice and a lime wedge, their aguas frescas and a plate of their barbacoa tacos are the perfect way to welcome the weekend. 4715 E Cesar Chavez St. | @denadacantina
La Plancha
Take a break from tacos and grab a deliciously hot and loaded torta at La Plancha, and wash it all down with one of their aguas frescas. Beef, pork, beans, cheese, avocado, and pineapple are a few things that can be found in their famous tortas. Hot off the grill, these tortas will leave you mesmerized, but their aguas frescas will leave you speechless. Perfectly simple and sweet, their aguas frescas offer a coolness that encourages you to take another bite of the savory torta. It’s a never-ending cycle of deliciousness. 1701 E MLK Jr. Blvd., Unit 101 | @laplanchaatx
Pinches Tacos
Pink park benches and umbrellas, fairy lights, and a big silver truck describe the surface of Pinches Tacos, but unforgettable, unbelievably tasty, and messy hands describe the experience. Grab a basket of tacos and a large agua fresca. Their flavor offerings change daily, so you can always look forward to something new every time you visit, but their tacos’ ability to bring comfort will always remain constant. 1197 Hargrave St. | @eatpinchestacos
