Is there anyone out there who hasn’t noticed the soaring temperatures that have kicked in over the past week?

There has certainly been plenty of buzz on social media from folks suddenly in the market for fans, air conditioners and swamp coolers.

It’s impossible to know if the burst of hot weather is just a passing phenomenon or harbinger of a prolonged scorcher that will last until the end of the dry season.

Whatever happens, now is a good time to bone up on aguas frescas, the typical Mexican thirst-quenchers that will help cool you down through the weeks ahead.

In generic terms, agua fresca (fresh or cool water) is a non-alcoholic  beverage made from fruit, cereals, seeds or flowers blended with plain drinking water and sweetener. Flavor options are endless, whether based on a single key ingredients or combinations of compatible tastes.

Classic varieties that are truly refreshing include jamaica, made with dried crimson colored hibiscus flowers, tamarindo (tamarind) and limón (lime, not lemon).

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