Black Pepper Free Cranberry Orange Agua Fresca
Tart cranberries, bright citrus, and a touch of maple syrup come together in this refreshing blended drink that tastes like something you'd order at a fancy brunch spot — except you made it at home in minutes. The deep ruby color alone is enough to make everyone at the table ask what's in it. Since so many bottled juices and flavored drinks sneak in spice blends or "natural flavors" that can include hidden pepper derivatives, blending your own from scratch is the smartest move. Every ingredient here is straightforward and easy to verify, so you can sip without second-guessing the label. Maple syrup adds a gentle, rounded sweetness that plays beautifully against the tartness of the cranberries and the zing of fresh lime. Straining the blended mixture gives you a silky-smooth texture that feels polished and intentional, not like a rushed smoothie. Serve it over ice with a few orange slices and it's instantly the prettiest drink on the table.
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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.
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