Aguas Frescas El Manito

We found Manito last summer while getting gas at the Pemex / OXXO on Santos Degollado. (aka. the only gas station in town) During this time we were remodeling Cien Palmas. Todos Santos is paradise, yes, but some summer days can be scorching hot! “It’s time to go see Manito!” we’d say to each other daily after a grueling work day. No lie, we’d visit him everyday for a cold, refreshing, homemade drink. It became our thing.

Manito (full name, Bacilio Amatitlacano) has been making aguas frescas for 18 years! His aguas are made daily, using only the freshest ingredients depending on the season. Originally from Vera Cruz he brought his craft to Todos Santos 7 years ago making a name for himself – “Eyyy Manito!” you’ll hear the locals greet him as they drive past his stand. He tells us he got his nickname from his old parish, he would call everyone ‘hermano / hermanito’ and ‘hermana / hermanita’ which his Parish shortened to Manito. “It’s a spiritual thing” he says.

We obviously love his aguas frescas but being greeted at his stand with “hola hermanitos” delighted to let us know what he has made for the day is what makes us love Aguas Frescas El Manito even more.

Each day he has around 10 different aguas to choose from, a few of our favorites are Granada China, Sandia, Toronja and Fresa Con Mazapán. Oh – and the Pepino Con Limon which we may or may not add Tequila to every once in awhile. You can also buy yummy snacks and burritos from Manito!

To support our hermano stop by the Pemex / OXXO and try one of his incredibly delicious aguas frescas. To learn more follow him on Facebook El Manito