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.
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.
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