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Agua de Chía con Limón

Serves 4 to 6 Beverage vegan, Beverages

Agua de Chía con Limón

Agua de Chía con Limón is a staple in Mexican households, often prepared to refresh the family during warm afternoons. This everyday beverage is cherished for its simplicity and the ease with which it brings comfort to those gathered around the table. It’s not tied to a particular celebration but is a constant companion to the daily rhythm of life, especially appreciated when the sun is high and the air is still.

The drink offers a bright, citrusy burst from the lime juice, tempered by a gentle sweetness that dances lightly on the tongue. Chia seeds add a delightful texture, creating an almost playful experience with each sip. Served over plenty of ice, it quenches thirst with a crisp, cooling finish, making it an irresistible treat on a hot day.

Ingredients

  • 4 tbspchia seeds
  • 8 cupscold water
  • 1/2 cuplime juice — about 5 limes
  • 120 g (1/2 cup)sugar — or to taste
  • for servingplenty of ice

Method

  1. In a large pitcher or mixing bowl, combine 4 tablespoons of chia seeds with 8 cups of cold water. Stir well to ensure the seeds are evenly distributed. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chia seeds begin to swell and the water takes on a slightly gelatinous texture. This step ensures the chia seeds are fully hydrated and evenly suspended in the water.
  2. Add 1/2 cup of lime juice to the chia seed mixture. Stir thoroughly to blend the lime juice into the water, creating a bright and even flavor throughout the drink. The lime juice should mix seamlessly, giving the agua fresca a refreshing citrus aroma.
  3. Gradually add 120 g (1/2 cup) of sugar to the mixture, stirring continuously. Taste the agua fresca as you add the sugar to achieve your desired level of sweetness. The sugar should dissolve completely, leaving no granules at the bottom, and the drink should have a balanced sweet-tart flavor.
  4. If you prefer a smoother texture, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into another pitcher to remove any excess chia seeds or pulp. This step is optional and depends on your preference for a rustic or refined drink.
  5. Transfer the pitcher to the refrigerator and chill the agua fresca until it is very cold, enhancing its refreshing quality. Once chilled, serve the Agua de Chía con Limón over plenty of ice in individual glasses, placing the pitcher on the table for easy refills. The drink should be cool and invigorating, perfect for a warm day.
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From the cookbook

Authentic Mexican Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Mexican Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Mexican volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

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