This agua fresca recipe comes from Mely Martínez‘s cookbook, Mexico in Your Kitchen. Agua frescas are light, non-alcoholic beverages that are also popular in many Latin American countries. They can be made with a variety of ingredients, from fruits like mango, strawberry and watermelon, to hibiscus flowers and chía seeds.
Since this agua fresca recipe features a combination of cucumber and lime, Martínez writes that it’s “one of the most refreshing beverages you can prepare, and the perfect drink for hot summer days.”
What does “agua fresca” mean in English?
“Agua fresca” literally translates to “fresh water” in English.
What dishes can I pair with an agua fresca?
A delicious agua fresca, like this minty cucumber lime one, will pair great with anything. If you’re specifically looking to try more Mexican recipes, check out Martínez’s Baja Fish Tacos, these Poblano tacos or this special Baked Chili Fish.
Cucumber Lime Agua Fresca
Equipment
- 1 blender
- 1 fine-mesh strainer
Ingredients
- 1 large English cucumber or 2 common cucumbers peeled, see Notes
- ½ cup fresh lime juice 4 to 6 limes depending on size and juiciness
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 3 cups ice cubes
For Garnishing
- Lime and/or cucumber slices
- 3 small sprigs fresh mint optional, see Notes
Instructions
- Using a spoon, remove the seeds from the cucumber(s).
- Chop the cucumbers into chunks and place them into a blender along with the lime juice, sugar, and 3 cups of water. Process for a couple of minutes until a smooth mixture.
- Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a large pitcher, pressing down on the strainer with the back of a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the residue in the strainer.
- Add 3 more cups of water along with the ice cubes to the pitcher.
- Stir and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Pour the agua fresca into glasses, add some lime and/or cucumber slices to the glasses or on the rims, and garnish with a few mint leaves (if using).
Notes
