12 Aguas Frescas Recipes to Make Drinking Water a Party

Heather Sage
May 02, 2015

Bring a taste of your fave taqueria home with these 12 refreshing aguas frescas. Beyond being a terrific booze-free option for your Cinco de Mayo fiesta, they’re a great way to cool off and stay hydrated all year long. Keep a pitcher filled with these fruit-flavored waters in the fridge as a tasty alternative to super sugary soda and juices — your taste buds will thank you!

1. Strawberry-Pineapple Agua Fresca: Sweet-tart pineapple and summer strawberries make this refreshing, healthy drink practically irresistible. (via Just Putzing Around the Kitchen)

2. Cucumber Agua Fresca: Cucumber comes out of the salad bowl and into the glass with this lime- and ginger-enhanced sip. (via Plants on the Plate)

3. Horchata Russian: Our homemade, dairy-free horchata is delicious whether or not you go full Dude by adding vodka and Kahlua to the mix. (via Brit + Co)

4. Watermelon Lime Sparkling Agua Fresca: Lime-flavored sparkling water is an ingenious way to add extra interest and a welcome dash of effervescence to this four-ingredient melon cooler. (via Shared Appetite)

5. Pineapple-Ginger Agua Fresca: Reach for this agua fresca any time, but especially when you’re feeling a bit bloated. The pineapple and ginger within are a powerful, puffiness-fighting duo. (via At the Corner of Happy and Harried)

6. Pineapple Mint Coconut Water Frappe: A splash of coconut water is key for upping the tropical feel of this frothy, fresh pineapple frappe. (via The Pig + Quill)

7. Tamarind and Date Agua Fresca: Frozen tamarind pulp is worth seeking out to make this classic agua fresca flavor. (via Epicurious)

8. Spicy Watermelon Mint Agua Fresca: Chill out and heat things up at the same time with this kicky jalapeño-melon cooler. (via The Kitchy Kitchen)

9. Peach and Basil Agua Fresca: We can’t wait to try this out with summer’s juicy, sweet peaches and fresh-from-the-garden basil. Until then, swapping in frozen fruit is a great way to go. (via Tesco Real Food)

10. Blackberry Chia Agua Fresca: Give your body a superfood boost with this tangy, chia-seed-flecked blackberry limeade. (via Girlichef)

11. Orange and Carrot Agua Fresca: A mix of cara cara and blood oranges gives this brightly flavored beverage a vibrant hue and an especially tantalizing taste. (via The Broken Bread)

12. Melon and Strawberry Agua Fresa: This agua is a great way to use up leftover melon and any not-so-pretty berries you may have in the fridge. It may be tempting to forgo it, but don’t skip the mint garnish — that small touch really takes the blend to the next level. (via So Much Love)

Are you a fan of aguas frescas? Share your favorite flavor combos with us below!

These 15 Friendsgiving Recipes Are Easy, Affordable, and BFF-Approved

Friendsgiving season is coming folks! And if you have one on the books, but have no idea what to cook, we have you covered. From deliciously cheesy veggies to a healthy take on everyone's favorite spuds, we're rounding-up easy recipes to make that won't weigh heavy on your pocketbook. Take a look through to see the yummy ensembles you should be whipping up!

Brit + Co

Drop Biscuits

Because everyone needs a carb to soup all those juicy drippings on your plate. This 'The Final Table' winning recipe does the job.

Brit + Co

Smashed Brussel Sprouts

Not crazy about veggies? These greens will change your mind. Topped with cheese, chives, and a nice crisp topping, they're extra yummy (and keto-friendly!)

Brit + Co

Cacio e Pepe Chickpeas

Sure this one is a bit non-traditional, but your vegetarian friends will love it. Plus they make the perfect topping to nearly any dish (who needs croutons when you have these anyways?!).

Brit + Co

Roasted Broccoli

Puts some greens on your plate with this holy-grail recipe. Trust us: It's sooo easy!

Brit + Co

Instant Pot Butternut Squash Polenta

Dust off the ole' Instant Pot will this delectable fall polenta. Filled with butternut squash and lots of parmesan you (and your besties!) will quickly fall in *love*.

Brit + Co

Roasted Sweet Potato

Just when you thought you knew how to roast sweet potatoes, this recipe came along. And boy are we taking notes!

Brit + Co

Slow Cooker Mulled Wine

Be the friend that brings the booze. This autumn-themed mulled wine drink will warm everyone's spirits.

Brit + Co

Fall Quinoa Salad

If you're designated salad duty, take a twist on it by packing it full-on quinia, pomegranate, and a tangy dressing. Yum!

Brit + Co

Cheesy Pasta Bake

When the temperatures drop, your friends will be extra thankful for this soul-warming, cheesy pasta.

Brit + Co

Spinach + Mushroom Gnocchi Casserole

No time? No worries! This freezer-friendly pasta bake complete with pillowy gnocchi, creamy mushrooms and spinach is super easy to create ahead of time, without taking away from any day-of deliciousness.

Brit + Co

Cheddar, Jalapeno, and Chive Biscuits

Upgrade your biscuits with "addicting" flavors of cheddar, chives, and jalapeños. Pro tip: Double the batch to ensure you have more than one for everyone!

Brit + Co

Keto Cheese Ball

Your hostess will thank you extra for showing up with an app to tide guests over until the main meal is served. Packed with yummy baked potato fixings, it's got an extra "kick" to make it comparable to store bought options. Plus it's keto-friendly... you can't go wrong with that!

Brit + Co

Cheesy Keto Asparagus

Keep the keto ideas coming, am I right?! Make this popular Pinterest vegetable dish loaded with garlic and extra cheese. Yes please!

Brit + Co

Yogurt Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

Pack a 'lil extra protein into your mashed spuds (with the bonus of making them extra creamy!). Who knew yogurt would soon become your go-to secret ingredient?

Brit + Co

Pumpkin Spice Toffee

And let's not forget about the sweets! Make a batch of this pumpkin spice-flavored treat as a great take-home option for overstuffed guests! (Just be sure to save some extra for yourself!)

Follow us on Pinterest for more tasty Thanksgiving recipes!

This post has been updated.

recipe roundupfriendsgiving ideasfall recipesthanksgiving recipesfood

Prime Video’s ‘Cruel Intentions’ Remake Will Be Your Fall TV Obsession

The only thing better than spending two hours with your favorite fictional characters? Spending 7 hours with them! Cruel Intentions (you know, the 1999 classic starring Reese Witherspoon, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, and Selma Blair) is turning 25 this year, and Prime Video is releasing a brand new TV show inspired by the movie. And the series has a fresh twist that will keep even the most dedicated Cruel Intentions fan on their toes. Here's everything you need to know about the show!

  • The Cruel Intentions TV show, inspired by the 1999 film, is coming to Prime Video.
  • The cast includes Sarah Catherine Hook & Zac Burgess. While Selma Blair isn't listed, "maybe there will be a cameo."
  • The series premieres on Prime Video this November.

    Where can I watch Cruel Intentions TV show?

    Cruel Intentions Release Date

    All eight episodes of Cruel Intentions drop on Prime Video November 21, 2024. That means you can watch them all in one sitting (and then watch them again...and again) or you can spread them out over Thanksgiving week. Is there anything better than watching a new TV show with a cranberry cocktail? I think not.

    Did they remake Cruel Intentions?

    Jasper Savage/Prime Video

    Cruel Intentions Plot

    Yes, the Cruel Intentions TV show is a remake of the 1999 movie! This new adaptation takes place at a prestigious college in Washington, D.C. Step-siblings Caroline Merteuil and Lucien Belmont are determined to stay on top of the food chain — especially after a dangerous frat hazing threatens to eliminate the school's Greek Life. The best way to keep the sororities and fraternities on campus? Seduce the most unexpected sorority sister: Vice President's daughter Annie Grover.

    Who's in Cruel Intentions?

    Jasper Savage/Prime Video

    Cruel Intentions Cast

    Prime Video's new Cruel Intentions is full of standout actors, and I can't wait to see their moment in the spotlight! The cast includes Sarah Catherine Hook as Caroline Merteuil, Zac Burgess as Lucien Belmont, Savannah Lee Smith as Annie Grover, Sara Silva as Cece Carroway, John Harlan Kim as Blaise Powell, Khobe Clarke as Scott Russell, Sean Patrick Thomas as Professor Hank Chadwick, and Brooke Lena Johnson as Beatrice Worth.

    The original Cruel Intentions movie stars Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, Reese Witherspoon, and Selma Blair. While there's no word on whether any of the OG cast will return, I'd love nothing more than to see Reese make a cameo! Selma told Variety on October 24 that even though she hadn't been asked to join the series, she'd love to make an appearance. "Maybe there will be a cameo or something," she says. "I’m excited to see it.”

    Let us know on Instagram if you want to see Reese Witherspoon or Selma Blair appear in the Cruel Intentions TV show, and check out the other November TV shows you absolutely can't miss.

    entertainmentpop cultureprime videotv

    24 Last-Minute Halloween Snacks That Will Save The Spooky Day

    Party plans at the 11th hour? We've got you covered with last-minute Halloween snacks that are easy to throw together! Spooky Halloween cookies call for tons of creativity, while make-ahead recipes require actually knowing that you're going to a party in the first place. While finding a last-minute costume that doesn't make your plan to stay in and watchHalloween movies alone in your jammies too obvious, cooking or baking a mysterious masterpiece seems out of the question – but it's not! Ahead, find some of the best last-minute Halloween snacks that are JUST the right amount of spooky.

    Brit + Co

    Monster Avocado Toasts

    If you want to celebrate Halloween without eating a ton of junk, try our avocado toast faces. It's the perfect start to Halloween morning — before the Halloween partyprep begins! (via Brit + Co.)

    Brit + Co

    Deviled Egg Brains

    These savory snack bites totally give us the creepy crawlies! Trust us, they're still yummy, though. (via Brit + Co.)

    Brit + Co

    Spider Halloween Cookies

    These sweet spideys should only take you about 40 minutes to finish! Once they're cooled, you'll be all set for your Halloween get-together. (via Brit + Co.)

    Brit + Co

    Mummy Pizzas

    These mummified pizza pies are made easy with store-bought ciabatta bread and some hearty toppings. (via Brit + Co.)

    Brit + Co

    Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

    The decorated pumpkin faces on these seasonal-flavored cookies provide the perfect amount of spooky! (via Brit + Co.)

    Half Baked Harvest

    Roasted Pumpkin Seed Hummus

    Homemade hummus is SO much better than the store-bought stuff — and it's easy to make. In less than 30 minutes, you'll be ready to rock with a bright orange Halloween hummus. (Half Baked Harvest)

    Chelsea's Messy Apron

    Mummy Milanos

    When you're in a pinch, there's nothing wrong with ripping open a bag of cookies and adding your own spooky twist. This recipe turns Milanos into mummies with the help of some melted white chocolate. (via Chelsea's Messy Apron)

    Chopstick Chronicles

    Sushi Balls, Halloween Style

    We know what you're thinking — sushi isn't exactly easy to create — but hear us out. These eerie sushi balls are way easier to put together than sushi rolls and require a lot less skill and equipment. It's also mess-free! (via Chopstick Chronicles)

    Gimme Some Oven

    Brownie Spiders

    These little cuties are the perfect last-minute snack to put together if you're less into gory-ness and more into adorably-ness. Feeling iffy over the commitment of baking? Don't sweat it — these are done in 35 minutes. (via Gimme Some Oven)

    Simply Sated

    Witch Finger Pretzels

    As far as quick and simple snacks go, you can't compete with dipping already delicious pretzels into already delicious chocolate. The best part of these treats is that they come out look gruesome and amazing. (via Simply Sated)

    A Spicy Perspective

    Halloween Fruit Skewers

    A healthy-ish treat, these fruit skewers get a little bit of Halloween when a few pieces of candy are in the mix. (via A Spicy Perspective)

    Food Fanatic

    Deviled Egg Eyeballs

    Deviled eggs sound perfect for Halloween on their own. When you add a healthy helping of beet puree to the mix, this wholesome snack hits a whole new level of creepy, or take a different route by making spider web deviled eggs. (via Food Fanatic)

    Well Plated

    Graveyard Chocolate Cheesecake Dip

    Having to whip up a themed snack at the last minute is a grave situation. It's a good thing THIS grave, topped with crunchy cookie dirt, only takes 20 minutes to put together. (via Well Plated)

    Mitzy At Home

    White Chocolate Ghosts and Mummies

    It's hard to find anything cuter than ghost-themed desserts; it's those little eyes. These sweet boos are easy to make and need to chill for 30 minutes, so you can place them in the fridge while you get ready. (Mitzy At Home)

    Baking Beauty

    Pumpkin Cheese Ball

    The flavors of cream cheese and sharp cheddar are scary good together. Also, you basically get to dunk chips into chips, so it's near impossible to disappoint a crowd with a snack like this. Did we mention it only takes 20 minutes to make? (via Baking Beauty)

    Damn Delicious

    Mummy Hot Dogs

    Hot dogs wrapped in crescent rolls are fantastic any time of the year, but we're especially in love with them on Halloween. Wrapped up to look like mummies, these bites are great for adult and kid parties alike. (via Damn Delicious)

    The Miniature Moose

    Sweet and Salty Halloween Snack Mix

    With no cooking required, this halloween snack is all ease and no fuss; just toss some sweet and savory snacks together and you're good to go. The frightening part is that they're incredibly addicting, so beware. (via The Miniature Moose)

    A Zesty Bite

    Oreo Spider Web Cookies

    We're confident that Oreos are loved universally, so there is no way to go wrong with this snack because it is SO right. The best way to wash these spiders out? A tall glass of cold milk, of course. (via A Zesty Bite)

    Stacey Homemaker

    Halloween Graveyard Pizza

    When doom hits, nothing saves the day quite like pizza; pizza fixes everything. In under 30 minutes, you too can save the day with this cheesy pizza — complete with eyeballs and tongues. (via Stacey Homemaker)

    Chelsea's Messy Apron

    Easy Spider Oreo Balls

    If you're after that beloved Oreo flavor, but want to jazz things up in a most spine-chilling way, these spider Oreo balls will do the trick. In 30 minutes you can have these sweet and spooky critters on a platter, ready to go. (via Chelsea's Messy Apron)

    Half Baked Harvest

    Black Widow Peanut Butter Bars

    Salty, sweet, and easier than you'd think, these peanut butter bars are made with pantry staples and candy. (via Half Baked Harvest)

    A Spicy Perspective

    Halloween Popcorn Mix

    Coat dry, salted popcorn with a purple melted candy coating and add sprinkles and your favorite Halloween candy to make this snack mix. (via A Spicy Perspective)

    Amanda Wilens

    Halloween Rice Krispy Treats

    Rice Krispy treats get a Halloween twist when you add festive sprinkles and a few eyeballs to mix. (via Amanda Wilens)

    Salt & Lavender

    Halloween Puppy Chow

    Chocolate, peanut butter, and plenty of Halloween sprinkles give new life to Chex cereal, and it only takes 15 minutes to make. (via Salt & Lavender)

    Halloween snacks are not only tasty, but they're fun to make, share and eat! With Halloween just around the corner, we're sure these spooky snacks will win over every guest at your Halloween bash!

    For more spooky Halloween snack ideas + treats, check us out on Pinterest!

    This article has been updated from a previous post with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

    recipe roundupsnacksfood trendshalloween

    Fall's Buzziest New Thriller Is Already Available To Stream

    While I've been keeping up with all the buzz surrounding Demi Moore's The Substance, and definitely understood it was THE feminist movie of the fall, I remember opening X in mid-October, seeing an unhinged photo of Margaret Qualley as Monstro Elisasue, and thinking to myself, Wow, apparently I do not know what this movie is about.

    If you're in the mood for a new, edgy horror movie that you can watch anytime of year, then do I have good news for you: The Substance is streaming now! Here's everything you need to know about the flick, including how to watch it this weekend because it will definitely make a great Halloween movie.

    • The Substance is streaming now, but it's also still available to see in theaters following its September 20 release date.
    • The movie follows an actress supposedly past her prime who takes matters into her own hands with a powerful serum called The Substance.
    • The cast includes Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, and Dennis Quaid.

    Where can I watch The Substance 2024?

    The Substance Release Date

    The Substance is streaming on Mubi and is available on Fandango at Home. You can also see the movie in theaters now. The Substance premiered on September 20.

    What is The Substance movie about?

    Mubi

    The Substance Plot

    In Coralie Fargeat's new movie, Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore) is a used-to-be A-lister who's horrified when studio head Harvey (Dennis Quaid) fires her from her own fitness TV show. (The audacity!) When she learns about The Substance, a new drug that promises youth and beauty, she immediately buys in.

    A single injection and suddenly she's Sue, a twenty-something (played by Margaret Qualley) who's exactly what Hollywood is looking for. There's just one rule: you can only spend a week in each body at a time or things go very, very wrong.

    Who's in the cast?

    Mubi

    The Substance Cast

    The cast of The Substance includes all-star names like Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, and Dennis Quaid.

    What is the meaning behind The Substance?

    Mubi

    The Substance confronts all the different pressures placed on women: to look young, to act mature, to constantly reinvent yourself. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, writer-director Coralie Fargeat explains how Margaret's Monstro Elisasue "represents the monstrous part that we try to hide so much because we feel that we can't adapt or fit."

    The end of the movie, in which (spoiler!!) Elisabeth basically melts into a pile of flesh on top of her Hollywood Walk of Fame star, frees her from any and all expectations. "It’s the first moment where she’s able to love herself. It’s the moment she sees herself and it’s not disgust, but in fact it’s as if she’s seeing her true self for the first time," Coralie says. "There’s self-indulgence, tenderness. It’s the first time she looks at herself in the mirror and doesn’t criticize herself. She decides, okay, I’m going to go out there, this is me, I have my right to have my place in the world."

    Wondering what to watch next? Check out the 10 New November Movies We've Been Waiting All Year For!

    pop cultureentertainmentmovie

    Dunkin’s Official Holiday Menu Has Something Starbucks Doesn’t

    The holidays are slowly approaching, and thank goodness, because it means all of the yummy fast food holiday menus are on their way. If you can’t get enough of a seasonal drink (perhaps a little peppermint action), listen up: Dunkin’s holiday menu for 2024 was just officially announced!

    After rumors about the Dunkin’holiday menu for 2024 had been swirling around online, the Dunkin' Instagram account just confirmed a lot of the drink and snack predictions for the lineup, and they look extra good.

    Plus, one of Dunkin's menu items is filling the void in my heart from a missing drink on the Starbucks rumored holiday menu. Hint: it involves toasted white mocha!

    The Dunkin’ holiday menu for 2024 is speculated to drop on November 1, six days before Starbucks’ rumored holiday menu will hit. Scroll on to see everything joining the Dunkin’ menu!

    When will the Dunkin' holiday menu for 2024 drop?

    Meredith Holser

    According to some menu leaks and rumors surrounding the Dunkin' holiday menu, a new lineup of drinks and snacks will become available starting November 1, 2024.

    The famed foodie account, @markie_devo, broke the news about the Dunkin' holiday menu leak first.

    Does Dunkin' have holiday cups?

    View this post on Instagram

    A post shared by Dunkin’ (@dunkin)

    Yes, Dunkin' has holiday cups! They'll be available on November 1, once the holiday menu drops. The coffee chain posted a sneak peek of the holiday cup design on their Instagramon October 31. It appears the Dunkin' holiday cups have designs of donuts, peppermint candies, ornaments, and more. The color scheme is mostly white, orange, and pink!

    Drinks On The Dunkin' Holiday Menu 2024

    Dunkin'

    NEW! Holiday Cookie Signature Latte

    This festive new latte is made with brown sugar cookie and toasted almond syrups and topped off with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and a scoop of cookie butter crumbles. Sounds like a totally sippable dessert to me!

    Dunkin'

    NEW! Brown Sugar Cookie Oat Iced Chai Latte

    Allegedly only available to order through the Dunkin' app, the Brown Sugar Cookie Oat Iced Chai Latte sounds like it'll combine brown sugar cookie syrup with oat milk and chai to usher in the holiday season. Based on previous menu offerings, you should be able to get this drink iced or hot.

    Dunkin'

    Peppermint Mocha Latte

    The Peppermint Mocha Latte is a classic when it comes to the Dunkin' holiday menu, so I'm not surprised it's returning this year. This bev features peppermint and mocha syrups, espresso, and milk, topped with a hefty serving of whipped cream, mocha drizzle, and hot chocolate powder. Bring it on!

    Dunkin'

    Toasted White Chocolate Latte

    No shade to Starbucks, but their rumored holiday menu for 2024 kind of broke my heart when I saw the Toasted White Mocha from years past wasn't coming back. Luckily, Dunkin' is filling the void with their Toasted White Chocolate Latte: a sweet, white chocolate-filled sip topped with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and cinnamon sugar topping!

    Dunkin'

    White Hazelnut Bark Coffee

    Available hot or iced, this coffee is prepped with a Dunkin' toasted white chocolate swirl, hazelnut flavoring, and cream. Any seasonal drink that has nutty notes wins in my book!

    Dunkin'

    Spiced Cookie Coffee

    Another reported "in-app only" drink joining the Dunkin' holiday menu, the Spiced Cookie Coffee will likely also be available to order hot or iced. I expect this bev to taste just like a snickerdoodle cookie!

    Dunkin'

    Cookie Butter Cold Brew

    I am so excited about this cold brew drink coming back for the holidays at Dunkin'. The Cookie Butter Cold Brew is made with brown sugar cookie syrup and topped with cookie butter cold foam and a scoop of cookie butter crumbles for extra crunch. Stay tuned, because there's a sweet snack joining the menu to match!

    Dunkin'

    Toasted White Chocolate Coconut Cold Brew

    This rumored app-exclusive cold brew will include notes of white chocolate and coconut – I need it now.

    Dunkin'

    Peppermint Mocha Hot Chocolate

    This anticipated app-only sip nixes the expected espresso for a very chocolatey (and peppermint-y!) effect.

    Snacks + Food On The Dunkin' Holiday Menu 2024

    Dunkin'

    NEW! Hash Brown Brisket Scramble

    Dunkin' has tested a number of breakfast Scrambles over the years, which is why I'm not totally shook by this food item coming to the holiday menu for 2024. This iteration will feature hash browns, scrambled eggs, shredded brisket, smoked cheddar cheese, poblano peppers, caramelized onions, and of course, a rich Texas queso.

    Dunkin'

    NEW! Almond Croissant

    The holiday menu will also bring the Almond Croissant to Dunkin's breakfast lineup. It's a butter croissant filled with chopped almonds!

    Dunkin'

    Cookie Butter Donut

    Yep – I need this in my belly ASAP. The Cookie Butter Donut is packed with a cookie butter filling, slathered with maple-flavored icing, then dipped in a delish speculoos cookie topping (tastes just like Biscoff cookies)! Sweet treat, anyone?

    Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on the official Dunkin' holiday menu once it drops!

    This post has been updated.

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