Raspados de Fresa 🍓❄️ are a classic Mexican frozen treat made with fluffy crushed ice and sweet homemade strawberry syrup. They’re sweet, fruity, and incredibly refreshing on a hot day.
In Mexico, street vendors shave a large block of ice into a cup, then pour your choice of fruit syrup over the top. Strawberry was always one of my favorites.
The good news is you don’t need a raspado stand to enjoy one at home. This easy version uses fresh strawberries to make a flavorful syrup, then all you need is ice and a blender.
If you like strawberry treats, also try my Carlota de Fresa.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️
- Easy to make. You only need a few simple ingredients and a blender to make these at home.
- Fresh strawberry flavor. Homemade strawberry syrup tastes so much better than bottled syrup.
- Perfect for hot days. Fluffy crushed ice and cold fruit syrup make this a seriously refreshing treat.
- Easy to customize. Make your raspado as sweet, fruity, or spicy as you like.
-Maggie
Ingredients
- 1 lb strawberries (cut in quarters)
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 ½ cups water
- ice
Variations
Feel free to experiment and make a different type of raspado using tropical fruits, like mango, pineapple, or tamarind.
And, if you prefer a spicier type of raspado, known as a “little devil,” add some chile powder or chamoy. 🌶️
For a fun adults-only twist, add a splash of tequila or rum.🍹
👩🏼🍳 Instructions
- Add water and sugar in a stock pot.
- Boil for 5 minutes, until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Add the chopped strawberries.
- With a potato masher or hand blender, mash the strawberries slightly.
- Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let it cool down.
- Allow the strawberry syrup to cool, then refrigerate for 2 hours before assembling the raspados.
- Fill your blender or food processor about halfway with ice cubes.
- Pulse until the ice is shaved and crushed. It should resemble snow.
- Transfer the crushed ice to serving glasses and pack it tightly to the top.
- Next, pour the sweet syrup over the ice.
- As an option, top off your raspados with small pieces of strawberry.
🙋🏻♀️ Frequently Asked Questions
Raspados are a Mexican frozen treat made with finely shaved or crushed ice and flavored syrup. They are similar to snow cones or shaved ice, but Mexican raspados come in many different fruit flavors and are often topped with fresh fruit, chamoy, or chile.
The word raspado comes from the Spanish verb raspar, meaning “to scrape.” It refers to the way ice is traditionally scraped or shaved to make this refreshing treat.
Yes. Fresh strawberries give the syrup a bright, fresh flavor, but frozen strawberries will also work. Let them thaw first, then use them just as you would fresh strawberries.
A blender or food processor works well. Add the ice in batches and pulse until it resembles fluffy snow. Be careful not to over-blend, or the ice can start to melt.
Yes! Try making your syrup with mango, pineapple, tamarind, or another fruit you love. You can also add chile powder or Tajín for a spicy version.
Fresh fruit, chamoy, Tajín, or chile powder are popular additions. For an adults-only version, you can also add a splash of tequila or rum to the syrup.
A raspado de fresa is a Mexican shaved ice treat made with crushed or shaved ice and sweet strawberry syrup. It’s a popular flavor of raspado and is especially refreshing on a hot day.
🧊 Storing Instructions
Storing crushed, shaved ice is nearly impossible. It needs to be done as serving.
You can, however, store your strawberry syrup for up to 2 weeks in a sealed container.
📚 History
The origins of shaved ice desserts can be traced back centuries, with frozen treats appearing in places such as Ancient Persia and Imperial Japan. 👑 Over time, similar desserts became popular around the world.
In the U.S., you may know similar desserts as shaved ice or snow cones, with shaved ice being especially popular in Hawaii.
The name raspado comes from the Spanish verb raspar, meaning “to scrape,” referring to the way the ice is traditionally shaved or scraped.
This dessert goes by many different names—strawberry raspado, Raspados de Fresa, and more. But no matter what you call this treat, it still features one of my favorite ingredients—strawberries!
More Refreshing Mexican desserts
- Ensalada de Frutas
- Creamy Strawberry Paletas
- Carlota de Limón
- Fresas con Crema
- Agua de Pepino
- Paletas de Mango,
- Dulce de Leche Ice Cream
- Bionicos
Make the strawberry syrup ahead of time, keep it chilled, and you’ll be ready whenever you’re craving something cold, fruity, and refreshing.
This easy Raspado de Fresa is a delicious taste of Mexico you can enjoy right at home. 🍓❄️
Raspados Mexicanos (Strawberry Raspado Recipe)
Ingredients
- 1 lb strawberries (cut in quarters)
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 ½ cups water
- ice (as needed)
Instructions
- Add water and sugar in a stock pot.
- Boil for 5 minutes, until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Add the strawberries.
- With a potato masher, mash the strawberries.
- Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Allow the mixture to cool down.
- Cover and place in the fridge for 2 hours.
- Fill the blender with ice cubes.
- Pulse until the ice is crushed.
- Transfer to cups. Pack the ice in as best as you can.
- Pour some of the syrup on the crushed ice.
- Top with a piece of strawberry.
- Serve with a spoon or straw.
I had some extra fresh strawberries, so I quickly made this recipe. My kids loved it! Such a great summer treat!
That’s great! I’m glad to hear that your kids loved it. Hope you enjoy!
Wow! This drink looks so delicious and very tasty! The strawberry flavor of this makes this an instant favorite! Love this already, Thanks!
Thank you! The strawberry flavor definitely adds a delightful touch to this refreshing dessert. Hope you enjoy!
One of the most delicious and easy drink recipes to make.
Definitely a perfect drink for this summer season.
Glad you enjoyed this Raspados Mexicanos recipe! It’s indeed a refreshing and delightful dessert, especially during summer.