Spending time in the backyard with friends and family during the summer months is a popular pastime in 
nearly any culture. School is out, kids 
are everywhere and suddenly all of 
your family is calling to arrange a 
get-together.

While foods are definitely at the center of any gathering at my house, drinks shouldn’t be ignored. Specialty homemade drinks are a treat that is often underused at parties, in my experience. One thing that I love to share at summer parties are Mexican aguas frescas, freshly made drinks served over ice. Sometimes they 
are made with grains, other times 
with dried flowers, and very often 
with fruit.

The combinations are vast and there is always room to experiment. The next time you host, wow your guests by offering up an aguas frescas bar. Many of these drinks pair very well with rum or tequila if the occasion calls for an alcoholic drink.