Citrus Free Peppermint Cocoa Agua Fresca
Cool, refreshing, and just a little indulgent, this peppermint cocoa agua fresca is the kind of drink that surprises you in the best way. It bridges the gap between a light agua fresca and a chocolatey treat, landing somewhere wonderfully in between. Unsweetened cocoa powder and maple syrup form a smooth, lightly sweet base, while fresh peppermint leaves steep right into the warm mixture to deliver a clean, herbal brightness that feels genuinely alive. Because every ingredient here is naturally free of citrus — no juice, no zest, no hidden citrus-derived additives — you can sip without a second thought. The process is simple: whisk, steep, strain, chill, and pour over ice. It's the kind of recipe that looks impressive in a glass but asks almost nothing of you in the kitchen. Serve it at a weekend brunch, a summer gathering, or just as a weeknight treat when you want something a little more interesting than plain water.
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
- 4 cups cold water, divided
- 8 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 tbsp maple syrup
- ½ cup fresh peppermint leaves, loosely packed
- ⅛ tsp fine sea salt
For serving
- ice cubes, for serving
- 4 fresh peppermint sprigs, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine 1 cup of the cold water with the cocoa powder and maple syrup in a small saucepan. Whisk over medium heat until the cocoa is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth and just beginning to steam, about 3–4 minutes — do not let it boil.
- 2
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the peppermint leaves and fine sea salt, stir once to submerge the leaves, and let steep for 10 minutes.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!