Paraben Free Cranberry Orange Agua Fresca
Tart cranberries, bright citrus, and a touch of maple syrup come together in this refreshing agua fresca that tastes like something you'd pay too much for at a fancy café. It's the kind of drink that looks stunning in a pitcher — especially with a few orange slices floating on top — but comes together with just a blender and a strainer. For anyone navigating ingredient labels and trying to avoid synthetic preservatives or chemical additives, this recipe is a breath of fresh air: every single ingredient is a whole, recognizable food. Fresh orange juice, lime juice, real cranberries, and maple syrup do all the heavy lifting here, with zero need for anything processed or shelf-stabilized. Straining the blended mixture gives you a silky-smooth drink without any bitterness, and adjusting the sweetness at the end means it's easy to dial in exactly the flavor you want. Serve it over ice for a casual weeknight refresher or dress it up with garnishes for a crowd — either way, it disappears fast.
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!