Artificial Flavors Free Cranberry Orange Agua Fresca
Tart cranberries, bright citrus, and a touch of maple syrup come together in a drink that feels genuinely refreshing — the kind of thing you want in a big pitcher on a warm afternoon. Every drop of flavor here comes straight from real fruit and a squeeze of lime, so there's no mystery about what you're actually drinking. Store-bought fruit drinks and flavored waters are notorious for sneaking in artificial flavoring agents, even when the label looks clean, which makes blending your own a genuinely smart move. The process is simple: blend, strain, stir, and chill — no special equipment or technique required beyond a blender and a fine-mesh strainer. Maple syrup does the sweetening work here, adding a gentle depth that refined sugar or synthetic sweeteners just can't match. The finished drink is a gorgeous deep ruby color, and a few orange slices or fresh cranberries on top make it look like something you'd pay good money for at a café. It's easy to scale up for a crowd and just as satisfying sipped solo over a glass of ice.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- ½ cup fresh orange juice (from about 2 medium oranges)
- 3 cups cold water, divided
- 4 tbsp maple syrup, or more to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- ¼ tsp fine salt
For serving
- ice cubes, for serving
- orange slices or fresh cranberries, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the cranberries, orange juice, maple syrup, lime juice, salt, and 1 cup of the cold water in a blender. Blend on high until completely smooth, about 45 seconds.
- 2
Set a fine-mesh strainer over a large pitcher. Pour the blended mixture through the strainer, pressing on the solids with the back of a spoon until only dry pulp remains. Discard the solids.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!