About this recipe
This limonada con chia (limeade with chia seeds) is refreshing and perfect, and one of Mexico’s most famous agua frescas. Limonada is always excellent and delicious, as we say it in Spanish or limeade.
The typical Mexican Aguas Frescas are made with fruit or grain (rice and oats), natural water, and sugar. They are very common in Mexico; you can find them everywhere, from the streets to restaurants to all Mexican houses; everywhere.
The most common flavors are horchata, jamaica, and lemonade. They are all delicious and refreshing, but lemonade is one of everyone’s favorites.
Ingredients
- Limes. Look for ripe limes with tons of juice.
- Sugar. Use granulated sugar, the one you like best.
- Chia. To make Agua Fresca, you should not use ground chia seeds; use the whole seed.
How to make lemon water with chia?
- In a medium pitcher with fresh, cold water, dissolve the sugar.
- Squeeze the limes directly into the pitcher or in a separate bowl.
- Mix, taste, and adjust if necessary.
- Add one or two tablespoons of black chia seeds.
💡Where do chia seeds come from? Chia seeds are the edible seeds of Salvia hispanica, a plant that gives flowers and is form the mint family. This plant is native form central and southern México. Chia seeds were served as a staple food for the Aztec cultures, who widely cultivated them in pre-Columbian times. Now you can buy them in any health food store or online retailers.
Tips and tricks
- You can use this limeade to make ice popsicles. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds, freeze, and you’re done. It’s also perfect served with fresh mint leaves or cucumber slices.
- Whisk the chia seeds into the agua fresca and ensure they do not clump. If they do clump, separate them by stirring with a spoon.
- You can also use it as a base and serve it with lots of ice and a splash of vodka or tequila.
- If you are in a hurry, you could blend the whole limes with sugar and water. Make sure to remove the pits and peel them with a sharp knife. Then strain with a fine mesh, add more water, and then the chia seeds.
- I like to use a clamp-type citrus press (Mexican juicer) because, in addition to extracting the juice from the limes, it pulls the oils from the peel, which are very flavorful. Please always use fresh lime juice, never store-bought.
Limonada con chia, limade with chia seeds: Mexican Agua Fresca
Equipment
- 1 medium pitcher
- citrus juicer
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 1/2 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons chia
Instructions
- Dissolve the sugar in the water. Add lime juice, mix. Test and adjust if necessary.
- Add the chia seeds, mix and serve.
Notes
- Chia seeds make limeade a bit thick or gelatinous. It is normal.
- If you’re short on time to squeeze the limes, you can blend all the ingredients. Just be sure to remove the white pith and seeds thoroughly. Blend the mixture and then strain it.
Nutrition
information
Nutritional information of this recipe is only an estimate, the accuracy for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
I’m Ale Graf, a Mexican living in Texas and the creator of AleCooks and Piloncillo&Vainilla. I share easy, family-friendly recipes—some Mexican, mostly plant-based—that can be enjoyed all day, every day. My focus is on recipes that bring people together around the table, making mealtime simple, delicious and meaningful. I’m also the co-author of Yo Cocino Latino, and my recipes have been featured in numerous online magazines and publications.
Follow along on my social accounts for daily inspiration, tips, and delicious recipes! I’d love to hear about you! Send me a DM on Instagram, and let’s talk all things food 🍽️✨