Ericka Sanchez’s New Aguas Frescas & Paletas Book

(Gerry Furth-Sides) Summer in Mexico means  aguas frescas and paletas. They are the much older “coca cola” of Mexico. Erika Sanchez brings 40 recipes to make these popular street food treats at home in her delightful, engaging book, Aguas Frescas & Paletas. “Frescas” literally translates to “cool or fresh waters.” The Mexican drinks and popsicles are made fresh and come in a variety of fruity and flowery flavors that are as refreshing to look at as to drink -and so is Ericka’s book, one of the most beautifully designed we have seen.

 Made of one or more fruits, cereals, flowers, or seeds blended with sugar and water, the drinks are the rage in Mexico, Central America, and parts of the United States, especially the southwest. Traditional aqua fresca flavors are tamarind, hibiscus and horchata.

Aguas frescas are sold by street vendors and you can also buy them in bodegas, convenience stores, restaurants and juice bars. Now Erika Sanchez shows you how to make and enjoy them in your own backyard.  

One thing that is different about this home version: recipes in Aguas Frescas & Paletas uses less sugar than traditional Mexican treats. They also use simple ingredients that can all be found at your local supermarket. All drinks are alcohol-free.

Everyone familiar with Ericka Sanchez’ popular culinary website Nibbles & Feasts, or  anyone who loves traditional Mexican fare will love the book. Ericka includes the familiar flavors, such as lime and strawberry. And she also includes more unique combinations like Hibiscus & Spiced Orange, Mint Blackberry, and Avocado Coconut.

Ericka Sanchez is a recipe developer, food stylist, and the creator of the award-winning culinary website nibblesandfeasts.com. Ericka’s cooking style is inspired by her life as a bicultural Latina living in California and her cherished memories in the kitchen with her grandmother and mother in Mexico, where she lived until she was eight years old. 

Chef Sanchez does a wonderful job of explaining the Aqua Frescas and Paletas with just enough description, direction and history to make them understandable and enticing.

We also caution that we went through three different popsicle freezer molds before finding a silicone one that released the treats after being pulled from the freezer