Editor’s Note: When we think about agua fresca, we often focus on the flavors. But these drinks are more than refreshing treats. In this heartfelt reflection, Daniella shares how agua frescas helped her find a sense of home and community after moving to Southern California. It’s a reminder that cultural foods like aguas frescas aren’t just delicious — they’re a way of connecting with those around us.
Back in 2011, I left home for the 1st time on military orders that would take me on an adventure around the world.
After visiting many places and getting to know many cultures, feeling homesick was something I could not shake. Not only did I hope to visit home but wanted to find home wherever I moved with the military.
After some years of living overseas and finally moving back to the U.S, our family landed in Southern California thanks to the U.S Navy. What I thought would be another duty station started to feel like home, thanks to agua fresca.
This article is featured in the aguas frescas issue of our zine! Read the whole issue here.
Finding community with aguas frescas
A feeling of home started after new streets and unfamiliar rhythms allowed me to end up at a local taqueria with a very diverse menu of Agua fresca flavors. I had never tried Agua frescas but their colorful and fun displayed aesthetic caught my interest.
After asking the lady at the counter which one she recommended she said “piña” which made me smile right away as I noticed we both shared the same language.
I thanked her with a “muchas gracias” and I was beyond thrilled to have shared a word of Spanish after not being close to the language due to travels.
The instant coolness and refreshing sweetness of piña was welcoming and made me realize that home was more than a feeling.
“What started with one simple visit became […] a routine stop”
After my first encounter with agua fresca, I returned for more. What started with one simple visit to a Taqueria became a routine stop where I felt invited to learn about culture, remember names, try new things and connect to a “home feeling” I had been missing.
One taqueria turned into five. One agua fresca turned into trying all different flavors and supporting local vendors throughout the community. One shared conversation turned into making friends and having favorite street vendors to look for so I could get another taste.
More than agua fresca
We want to be part of this place
This newcomer was offered comfort with local tradition through bright colorful hues, fresh fruit, refreshing coolness and the simple joy of finding community.
This was all happening while also bridging cultures since I myself am not Mexican or from Mexican descent. I was learning from what local vendors had to share about their culture, their upbringing, goals and dreams.
For newcomers, especially military families, finding familiar faces in unknown places and knowing that we will be greeted with a friendly smile and welcomed to the community is what makes our adventure worth it.
When we try something new and visit a local spot for an uplifting cool cup of agua de jamaica or agua de sandia, what we are truly saying is that “we want to be part of this place, we want to support our local community, we want to learn more about your culture.”
Finding a sense of belonging is not always easy. Finding “home” will not always be instant and does take patience.
Sometimes it takes small actions, like ordering an agua fresca to feel a bit more grounded to that home feeling.
Whether it is an invigorating agua de pepino or a comforting cup of horchata, these aren’t just drinks. They are a sweet and refreshing bridge between the places we come from and the places we get to be at even if for a short period of time.
It is about the relationships we build and the community we can support.
Final Thoughts
Agua frescas are a staple of family-owned food stands and restaurants, showing the community how Latinos can create revenue, be business owners, and share cultural identity.
These drinks are not just a way of generating profit, they have also allowed business owners to create connections with the local community.
Agua frescas carry history, they are made with intention and care, they share heritage and tradition. These vibrant and delicious drinks are full of legacy and rooted in community.
Whether made in family kitchens, by street vendors or restaurant owners; served at street fairs or at your local taqueria or mercado, these are more than refreshments.
And because belonging doesn’t always start with words, it can be something felt from a cup of agua fresca, served and shared with people who remind you of home and welcome you into theirs. A full cup and full heart.
This article is featured in the Aguas Frescas issue of our digital zine! Read the whole issue for more refreshing takes and dietitian-approved agua frescas!
About the Author
Daniella Horne
Daniella Horne is a U.S Army Veteran and Military Spouse, freelancer and lifestyle blogger. Currently stationed in Southern California with her spouse and two children. She is a work from home mom, volunteers for multiple non-profits to include holding a PTA position at her children’s school and finds joy in creating a safe space for parents bridging the gap between the military and civilian community. She creates and advocates through humor and aesthetic of simple joys on her Instagram @mommaandsprouts. In her downtime she loves exploring, trying new food places as a Yelp Elite, watching the sunset and reading.
Instagram: @mommaandsprouts
Website: https://www.mommaandsprouts.com/