Agua de Cuaresma: a sweet refresher with a beautiful history
Agua de Cuaresma (Lenten water) has many names. This Lenten refresher is also known as Sangre de Cristo (Blood of Christ), Lagrimas de Virgen (Virgin tears) and Agua de Obispo (Bishop’s water). Made with ruby red beet juice and a variety of sweet fruit and crunchy lettuce, this beverage dates back to the 16th century.
During Holy Week in various parts of Mexico. Residents visited the homes in the community that had an altar dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows (Nuestra Señora de los Dolores, Maria Dolorosa or La Dolorosa), an invocation of the Virgin Mary. These were placed eight days before Good Friday, also known as “Viernes de Dolores”, so as not to forget the pain suffered by the Virgin Mary from the birth to the death of Jesus. In this tradition, which is still maintained in Mexico today, an image of La Dolorosa is placed on a table inside the home alongside a crucifix. It is decorated with an ornate tablecloth, candles, arrangements with wheat and corn, colorful banners and this agua fresca made with different fruits and vegetables. According to tradition, while visitors admired the altar, they asked the owner: “Has the Virgin cried?” And, if the answer was affirmative, the guests would then pray together. When finished, the host offered the tasty refresher as a courtesy.
Related recipe: Agua Fresca de Cafe
What makes this drink unique and delicious, is the combination of variousingredients. They include orange, banana, strawberry, apple, lettuce and, of course, beets, which is what gives agua de cuaresma its distinctive vibrant red color.
Depending on the region, other ingredients such as cucumber, chia seeds or peanuts are added to the mixture. Others use the same ingredients and include it in their Lenten menu as a dessert or a fruit salad.
Print
Agua de Cuaresma
Agua de Cuaresma is a traditional fruit drink consumed during the lenten season. Made with beet juice and and a medley of produce that includes oranges, apples, bananas, cantaloupe and lettuce.
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 1x
Ingredients
1 large beet (or 2 small)
1/3 cup sugar (optional)
1 1/2 cups chopped cantaloupe
1 cup chopped Fuji apple
1 cup chopped strawberries
2 oranges, peeled with pith removed, chopped
2 bananas sliced
1 1/2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
Instructions
Place beet in a medium saucepan with enough water to cover over medium heat. Boil for 45 minutes. Drain and let cool. Peel with a knife and chop into big pieces. Add beet pieces and 1 cup water to a blender. Blend until smooth.
Add 4 cups of water to a large pitcher. Stir in sugar and add blended beet through a strainer. Stir in fruit and lettuce. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
