How to Make the Perfect Agua de Avena Oat Water
Mexican · Easy · 40 min · 6 servings
Agua de avena is a traditional Mexican oat water drink that is creamy, lightly spiced, and incredibly refreshing on a hot day. This easy oat agua fresca recipe is packed with fiber, naturally sweetened, and makes a healthy alternative to sugary beverages.
Why this recipe works
This Agua de Avena Oat Water recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 40 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 120 calories with 3g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 5 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 5 cups cold water
- 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Soak the Oats
Place the rolled oats in a large bowl and cover with 2 cups of cold water. Allow the oats to soak for 30 minutes to soften them and make blending easier for a smoother agua fresca.
Step 2: Blend Until Smooth
Transfer the soaked oats and soaking water to a blender. Add the cinnamon, honey, and vanilla extract then blend on high speed for 90 seconds until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
Step 3: Strain Thoroughly
Pour the blended oat mixture through a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth into a large pitcher. Press the oat pulp firmly to extract maximum liquid and discard the solids.
Step 4: Serve Over Ice
Stir in the remaining 3 cups of cold water and adjust sweetness to your preference. Pour over a glass full of ice and dust with extra ground cinnamon before serving.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- honey → maple syrup for a fully vegan agua fresca
- old fashioned rolled oats → quick oats for a slightly smoother texture with less soaking time
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Over blending the oats which releases too much starch and creates a thick gluey drink instead of a light refreshing agua fresca
- Not straining the oat water through cheesecloth which leaves a grainy texture that makes the drink unpleasant to drink
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 120 calories, 3g protein, 22g carbs, 2g fat, 2g fiber.
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