In Puerto Rico, we call this recipe a Piragua de Fresa, in Mexico is called a raspado de jarabe de fresa. But in the US, it is known as a Strawberry Shaved Ice or a strawberry snow cone. Either way, it is super delicious.
In Puerto Rico, any time of the year is a great time for a Piragua de Fresa, it is not only a summer treat. This is a drink that you can enjoy any season of the year.
The piragua is a popular street food drink in Puerto Rico that you can get almost everywhere. The best part is that you don’t have to live in Puerto Rico to enjoy this.
All you need is crushed ice and a homemade strawberry syrup. The best part is that with the same syrup ingredients, you can make a strawberry frozen cups.
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Recipe Ingredients
- Water & sugar- The water and sugar are the base for any syrup. The syrup is made with 1 part sugar and 1 part water.
- Lemon juice- The lemon juice will add acidity to the syrup, which will balance the sweetness.
- Strawberry extract- The extract is responsible for adding the strawberry flavor.
- Red food coloring- You only need a little bit. Just a few drops will get the syrup bright red.
- Ice- We need crushed ice. The quantity will depend on the size of the piragua you make.
Can I use fresh strawberries for the piragua?
- You can use fresh strawberries, but a traditional Puerto Rican shaved ice doesn’t have the fresh fruit. This is more common in a Mexican shaved ice.
How to Make Piragua de Fresa
- Photo 1: In a small pot, you need to add the water, sugar, and lemon juice to cook for 5 minutes. You need to stir for 2 minutes or until the sugar has dissolved. You’ll know the syrup is ready because it will have a clear color. Remove the syrup from the heat and let it cool.
- Photo 2: After the syrup has cooled, transfer it to the bottle, jar, or bowl. Keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to use. The cold will make the syrup last longer. Plus, it’s best to use cold syrup when making the piragua.
- Photo 3: You need to crush the ice. The finer you crush the ice, the more you’ll need. Crush it until the ice is in small pieces.
- Photo 4: Fill a cup with ice, and give it whatever shape you like on top. Add the syrup, and you’re ready to enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Sugar-free strawberry syrup for piragua– Use granulated stevia or splenda. Just use half of what the recipe calls for sugar.
- Ice- If you want the mouthfeel of a piragua, do not crush your ice so much that it is almost pulverized.
- Buying the syrup- If you don’t want to make the syrup, you can buy a strawberry flavor syrup online. My favorite brand is Poly Sirops that are made in Puerto Rico.
Frequently Asked Questions
The brand that I like to use for piraguas is Poly Syrups, but it can be hard to find even online. Some Latin stores have it, especially Puerto Rican stores.
More Delicious Piragua Recipes
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Piragua de Fresa (Strawberry Shaved Ice)
Ingredients
Strawberry syrup
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon strawberry extract
- ¼ teaspoon red food coloring
Piragua
- ice *see notes
- ½ cup strawberry syrup
Instructions
Strawberry syrup
- In a small pot over high heat, add sugar, water, and lemon juice. Cook for 5 minutes and stir for at least the first 2 minutes to make sure the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat.
- Stir in the food coloring and the strawberry extract. Allow it to cool before storing or using it. Use an airtight container or a glass bottle to store it, and keep it in the fridge.
Strawberry piragua
- In a blender, add the ice and crush it. Add the ice to a cup and put extra ice on top. Make a piramid/dome shape on top with another cup or a funnel. Add about half a cup of the syrup (the amount can change depending on your cup size). ¡Buen Provecho!
Recipe Notes
- Sugar free piragua- You have to make the syrup sugar free. Instead of white sugar use granulated stevia or splenda. Only use half the sugar of what the recipe needs.
- Ice- The amount of ice will vary depending on the cup you use. In my case, I used a 9 0z cup. I use the same cup I’m using and fill it up twice with ice. This is enough to fill up the cup and make a little dome shape on top.
- Strawberry syrup- You can find the syrup sold online or in some Latin stores.
- Lemon juice- I used lemon juice, but you can also use lime juice.
- Food coloring- I used ¼ teaspoon, but you can use way less, a few drops if you like.
- Storing- Use any airtight bottle or jar to store the syrup. Store in your fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition
*The nutrition information is automatically calculated, so this is only an approximation.
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