A little goat vendor by Maximino Santiago is busy at his tiny stand, whisking huge ladles through bright red and yellow jars of agua fresca. He is wearing a striped purple jacket, a long white chef’s hat, and has cups lined up on a blue, flower-painted table, ready to serve an endless line of customers.
Aguas frescas are classic Mexican refreshers: non-alcoholic drinks made by blending water with fresh fruit, hibiscus flowers, tamarind, rice, or seeds, then lightly sweetening them. Think watermelon, lime, horchata, or jamaica, traditional refreshing beverages you find at mercados and street stands all over Mexico, just like this cheerful little scene.
