Cucumber-mint Agua Fresca Recipe

Prepare cucumber

Peel the cucumbers, cut off the ends, then slice lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Chop the seeded cucumber into roughly 1-inch pieces and measure 1.5 cups.

Macerate with sugar

Place the chopped cucumber and 3 tablespoons granulated sugar in a medium bowl. Muddle lightly with the back of a spoon or a muddler for about 1 minute to help draw out juices and dissolve some sugar. Let sit 5 minutes.

Blend

Transfer the macerated cucumber and any accumulated liquid to a blender. Add 12 fresh mint leaves and 1/4 cup fresh lime juice. Pour in 1 cup of the cold water (reserve remaining water). Blend on high until completely smooth, about 30–45 seconds.

Strain (optional for smooth texture)

Place a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth over a pitcher. Pour the blended mixture through the sieve, pressing on solids with the back of a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the pulp (or reserve for smoothies).

Dilute and chill

Add the remaining 2 cups cold water to the strained juice and stir to combine. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity: if too strong, add more water; if too tart, dissolve another teaspoon of sugar in a tablespoon of warm water and stir in.

Add ice and serve

Fill glasses with ice (about 1/2 cup ice per 8-oz serving) or add 2 cups ice directly to the pitcher to chill. Pour the agua fresca over ice into glasses.

For each serving, add a thin cucumber slice into the glass and lightly clap a mint sprig between your palms to release aromatics, then tuck it into the glass. Serve with a lime wedge on the rim.