From Mexican restaurants to elote stands to summertime carne asadas, many of us grew up sipping agua frescas. The refreshing Mexican staple, made by blending fruit with water and just enough sugar and lime juice, has been in our communities for generations and has pre-Columbian roots. That’s why so many of us spat out our cold elixir when we heard TikTok calling the Mexican drink spa water. In July, TikToker Gracie Norton shared multiple videos of her mixing together a fruity "anti-inflammatory drink" she called spa water with her more than 500,000 followers. The since-deleted videos caused a stir, especially among Latines on the social network, who responded to Norton's cucumber, water, and sugar blend by calling the drink what it actually is — agua fresca — and her alleged discovery of the so-called “wellness drink” another example of culinary appropriation and/or food gentrification. Let’s be clear: As a mexicana, I don’t think there is anything wrong with people of any and all races, ethnicities, and cultural identities enjoying the dishes and drinks that come from my home country. What I, and many in my community, take issue with is the rebranding of our traditions, culture, and staples — some that have historically been mocked — as well as the lack of credit given to the actual creators. - Writer @elsacavazos spoke with different Mexicans and Mexican-Americans about the spa water controversy and why many are upset about it. Link in bio.