This Cucumber Lime Agua Fresca is not only super easy to make it is just about the most refreshing drink perfect for a hot summer day.
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Easy Cucumber Lime Agua Fresca Recipe
Agua Fresca de Pepino or otherwise known as a Cucumber Agua Fresca is a truly refreshing summertime drink. Something I would drink just on the basis of it's amazing green color but its taste is what will truly hook you in. This is a beverage the whole family will enjoy so make a large pitcher and keep it in the fridge to make sure everyone is getting enough water during the height of summer.
Made with fresh cucumbers and limes this is the perfect drink for hot summer days. At it's simplest this is really just cucumber water with a few simple ingredients like lime juice and just a bit of sugar. This recipe is easy to make your own with different flavors by adjusting the sweetness and adding variations.
What is an Agua Fresca?
Agua fresca is literally translated to "fresh water" in Spanish. Aguas frescas originate in Mexico. Traditionally made by blending fresh fruit, seeds, or flowers with water, agua fresca typically uses seasonal produce, making it a versatile and refreshing beverage. Some times you see the fresh fruits simply infused in the water other times you see it blended like in this recipe.
Equipment Needed
- Blender
- Fine Mesh Strainer Affiliate Link
- Pitcher
- Spatula
- Measuring Cup
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Ingredients
- English/Hothouse Cucumber I prefer using english cucumbers because they don't have bitter skins like kirby cucumbers, but use what is available to you.
- Fresh Lime Juice - You will need about 3 limes depending on if it is small limes you might need one more, large limes you will probably be good with about 3.
- Sugar - You can use more or less sugar than the recipe calls for, simply taste it and adjust. You can also use other sugar alternatives.
- Filtered Water - You will want good tasting water so that the drink tastes good.
Instructions
Prep: Begin by roughly chopping the cucumber and adding it to the blender.
Blending: Pour in the fresh lime juice and sugar, then pulse until the cucumber is blended.
Adding Water: Gradually pour in 2 cups of filtered water and blend until smooth.
Straining: Using a fine mesh strainer Affiliate Link, strain the agua fresca into a pitcher to remove the majority of the pulp. Stir in the remaining 2 cups of filtered water to the pitcher for the perfect balance of flavors.
Serving: Serve chilled over ice, garnished with a slice of lime, cucumber wheel, or a sprig of fresh mint for an extra touch.
Tips, Tricks and Questions
Can I use a different type of cucumber?
Yes, you can use Kirby cucumbers (the regular cucumbers found in grocery stores), but remember to adjust the quantity accordingly. However, English/Hothouse cucumbers are recommended because the peel is less bitter.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the drink?
Absolutely! Feel free to tweak the amount of sugar or experiment with alternative sweeteners to suit your palate. Try honey or stevia
How long can I store the agua fresca?
Store any leftover agua fresca in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
What distinguishes agua fresca from other beverages?
Agua fresca stands out for its simplicity and versatility, utilizing fresh ingredients and minimal processing to capture the essence of seasonal flavors.
Variations:
If you are looking to add some more depth to the flavor try adding mint leaves, fresh basil, lemon balm, or even fresh ginger. This is a great non-alcoholic drink but adding some of your favorite spirit like vodka, gin, or tequila would be fantastic.
If you like this Cucumber Lime Agua Fresca Recipe you might also like:
Beets Me Mocktail (Beet Juice Mocktail)
Strawberry Smash Mocktail
Single Serve Lemonade
Margarita Mocktail
Cucumber Lime Agua Fresca
With simple ingredients you can make this ultra refreshing cucumber lime agua fresca perfect for a warm summer day.
Ingredients
- 1 english/hothouse cucumber
- ⅓ cup fresh lime juice
- 3 tablespoons sugar or more to taste
- 4 cups filtered water
Instructions
- Roughly chop the cucumber and add to the blender. Add the lime juice and sugar to the blender. Give a few pulses to blend up the cucumber. Add 2 cups of the filtered water. Blend until very smooth.
- Using a fine mesh strainer strain the agua fresca into a pitcher, you may have to use a spatula to get all the liquid through the strainer.
- Add the remaining 2 cups of filtered water to the pitcher. Serve chilled over ice. Keep in the refrigerator.
Notes
Optional: Add mint, basil, lemon balm, or any other tasty fresh herb you think would taste good in this refreshing drink.
While I like using just a little bit of regular granulated sugar in this drink you can swap out and/or use more or less sweetener. Try honey or stevia you can also use more sweetener is you like your drink sweet.
I like to use English Cucumbers also know as hot house, they are the ones that come wrapped. I prefer this variety because although they are a little more mild they are also not bitter like kirby cucumbers skin tends to be (the regular cucumbers in stores). You can absolutely use a kirby cucumber that is totally your call, if you were to do that though I suggest using two cucumbers since they tend to be smaller.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1 cupAmount Per Serving: Calories: 49Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 11mgCarbohydrates: 13gFiber: 0gSugar: 11gProtein: 0g
Nutritional data is automated and might not be 100% accurate, final nutritional information will depend on ingredients used and any changes made.
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