Agua de Pepino (Cucumber Agua Fresca)

Why I Love This Recipe

• Enjoy it year-round. This cucumber water is ideal for quenching your thirst during hot summer days but can be truly enjoyed at any time of the year. Cucumbers can be found easily in most major supermarkets and are quite affordable. This makes cucumber water a refreshing drink option that not only tastes great but also adds a touch of flavor to your hydration routine.
• Make it your own. It’s simple to make and can be customized in many different ways. Add more or less sugar depending on how sweet you like it, or completely leave omit any sweetener if you prefer it plain. You can also add some mint leaves or other fresh herbs to give it a little extra flavor.
• It’s incredibly refreshing. The light and crisp flavor combination of fresh cucumbers and lime is delicious. And because cucumbers are mostly water, the drink is incredibly hydrating!

What is agua fresca?

Agua fresca is a popular refreshing Mexican drink that combines fresh fruits, flowers, or even rice with sugar and water to create a light and thirst-quenching beverage. Unlike juices or smoothies, agua fresca is more diluted and light on the palate. It’s a staple at Mexican markets, street fairs, and various celebrations.

Ingredients

• Cucumber: You’ll need large peeled cucumbers. Make sure to get regular slicing cucumbers, not English cucumbers.
• Lime juice: Adds a zesty citrus note that really elevates the flavor.
• Sugar: I used granulated sugar to lightly sweeten the drink. You can use more or less than the recipe says, depending on how you like it.
• Water: A must-have in any agua fresca! Feel free to use more if you prefer your agua fresca to be more diluted.

How to make agua de pepino

Start with peeled and chopped cucumbers.

Add the cucumbers, water, and sugar to a large blender and blend until smooth.

Strain the liquid into a pitcher to remove any seeds and pulp.

Stir in the lime juice, taste, and add more sugar if desired. Serve immediately over ice with slices of fresh cucumber and/or fresh mint leaves.

Variations

• If you don’t want to use granulated sugar, try sweetening the drink with honey, agave syrup, or even a bit of maple syrup. Any other sweetener, like stevia, also works.
• Mix in some fresh herbs like mint or basil for the best herbal flavor infusion.
• Don’t have lime juice? Use lemon juice instead.
• It’s common to find chia seeds mixed into different flavors of aguas frescas! Stir in a tablespoon or two for added nutritional benefits.

Recommended Tools

Strainer. A must for straining out any pulp and seeds. This set comes in 3 different sizes.

Pitcher. This clear glass pitcher lets you see what’s inside and comes with a lid for storing in the refrigerator.

Blender. A must-have in any Mexican kitchen. This one is powerful and affordable.