Cucumber-mint Agua Fresca Recipe

Blend cucumbers and mint

Place the roughly chopped peeled cucumber and the packed mint leaves into a blender. Add 1/2 cup of the cold water to help the blades move. Blend on high until the mixture is very smooth, about 30–45 seconds.

Strain the puree

Pour the blended cucumber-mint mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth set over a bowl. Use the back of a spoon to press and extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids (or reserve for a smoothie). You should have about 1 to 1 1/4 cups of green juice.

Add lime

Stir the fresh lime juice into the strained cucumber-mint liquid until combined.

Dissolve sugar

In a small jar or cup, combine the granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons of warm water (not from the cold water measure). Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved, about 1 minute. If using honey or agave in addition to or instead of sugar, add it now and stir until incorporated.

Taste the cucumber-mint-lime mixture and add the prepared sweetener a little at a time until you reach desired sweetness. Remember the lime gives brightness, so aim for a balanced, lightly sweet finish (typically all of the prepared sugar and optional honey for the quantities listed).

Combine with water

In a pitcher, combine the strained cucumber-mint-lime-sweetener mixture with the remaining cold water (about 3 1/2 to 4 cups depending on final juice volume). Stir well, taste, and adjust by adding more water, lime, or sweetener as needed.

Chill

Refrigerate the agua fresca for at least 20 minutes to let flavors meld and to chill thoroughly. This can be made up to 1 day ahead; keep covered in the fridge.

Serve

Fill glasses with ice. Pour the cucumber-mint agua fresca over ice. Garnish each glass with a cucumber slice and a sprig of mint; add a lime wedge if desired. Stir once before drinking.