Ginger Free Raspberry Lemon Agua Fresca

Total time30 min

Prep time10 min

Cook time5 min

4.5

(21)

Bright, bubbly, and bursting with summer flavor, this raspberry lemon agua fresca is the kind of drink that makes you want to sit outside and do absolutely nothing for a while. Fresh raspberries are gently cooked down with maple syrup until they release every bit of their deep, jewel-toned juice, which then gets strained smooth and brightened with real lemon juice and zest. The result is a gorgeous ruby-red syrup that pairs beautifully with cold sparkling water for a refreshing fizz in every sip. Many flavored drinks and sodas sneak in ginger as a "natural flavor" or wellness add-in, so making your own from scratch means you know exactly what's in the glass. The whole process is straightforward — cook, strain, stir, and pour — and the payoff is a pitcher that looks like it came from a fancy café. Serve it over ice with a sprig of fresh mint and a lemon slice for a presentation that's effortlessly impressive at any gathering.

About Fig

Fig 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 raspberries
½ cup water
4 tbsp maple syrup
¼ cup fresh lemon juice (from about 2 lemons)
1 tsp lemon zest
3 cups cold sparkling water

For serving

ice, for serving
fresh mint sprigs, for serving (optional)
lemon slices, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1
Combine the raspberries, water, and maple syrup in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally and pressing the raspberries against the side of the pan with a wooden spoon, until the berries have completely broken down and the mixture is deep red and steaming, about 4–5 minutes.
2
Pour the raspberry mixture through a fine-mesh strainer set over a pitcher, pressing firmly on the solids with the back of a spoon to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the seeds and pulp left in the strainer.

Want the full recipe?

Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!