Go Back
+ servings
Two glasses of oat milk garnished with cinnamon
Print Recipe
5 from 12 votes

Agua de Avena

Refreshing Agua de Avena is inspired by both Mexican agua frescas and Quaker Frescavena, popular in Mexico and Latin America but contains no refined sugar. It's a healthy, cooling treat for hot summer days to enjoy on its own or with a meal.
Prep Time10 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Guatemalan, Mexican
Servings: 4
Calories: 210kcal
Cost: $5

Equipment

  • blender
  • strainer
  • Pitcher

Ingredients

  • 6 cups water (divided)
  • 1 1/4 cups Quick Oats (not instant)
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla (preferably Mexican)
  • 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon ground

Date Caramel Sweetener

  • 7 dates pitted and preferably Medjool
  • 4 Tbsp hot water

Instructions

  • Blend the oats, 3 cups of water, vanilla and cinnamon in a high-speed blender for one minute. I used a Ninja blender and it worked well.
  • Pour through a fine-mesh metal strainer, tapping the sides of the strainer or allowing it to sit so the liquid drains through. Or, press lightly with a spoon but don't press it too much or it will get a slimy consistency.
  • Discard the remaining solids.
  • Adding remaining 3 cups of water and date caramel sweetener (see below) to the oat water and stir thoroughly.
  • Transfer the oat milk into an airtight glass pitcher and chill. Serve poured over ice. Garnish with sprinkles of cinnamon and a cinnamon stick.
  • It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, Be sure to stir well before serving as it will settle.

Date Caramel Sweetener

  • Place the pitted dates in a food processor or blender.
  • Pulse until finely chopped.
  • Pour the hot water into the chopped dates and blend until a caramel-like consistency forms.
  • Remove from the blender and add the date caramel to the oat milk to taste.

Notes

  • Be sure to use quick oats not instant in the recipe.
  • Serve this homemade oat milk cold. Chill it for at least one hour before serving. Warm oat milk just doesn't taste the same!
  • You can save the solids instead of discarding and use them in oatmeal later.
  • Agua de Avena can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to stir it before serving as it will settle.
  • Store any extra date caramel covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.  
Nutritional information is created by online calculators so the figures are only estimates.

Nutrition

Calories: 210kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 19mg | Potassium: 382mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 63IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 2mg