Cucumber-mint Agua Fresca Recipe

Cucumber-Mint Agua Fresca

1. 1

   Prep cucumber and mint

   Peel the cucumbers (optional — leave some peel for color if you prefer), cut off the ends and roughly chop into 1–2 inch pieces so they blend easily. Remove large stems from the mint and lightly bruise a few leaves in your hands to release aroma; reserve a few whole sprigs for garnish.

2. 2

   Make cucumber-mint purée

   In a blender, combine the chopped cucumber (about 2 cups), packed mint leaves (about 1 cup), and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar plus a pinch (¼ tsp) of salt. Add 1/2 cup of the cold water to help it blend. Purée on high until completely smooth, about 30–45 seconds. If your blender is small, blend in two batches.

3. 3

   Strain (optional for clear agua fresca)

   Place a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth over a large bowl or pitcher. Pour the cucumber-mint purée into the sieve and use the back of a spoon to press and extract as much liquid as possible. This yields a smooth, bright-green liquid. If you prefer a thicker, pulpy drink, skip the straining and use the purée as-is.

4. 4

   Combine and sweeten

   To the strained cucumber-mint liquid, add 1 cup fresh lime juice and the remaining 3.5 cups cold water (to reach a total of 4 cups water with the 0.5 cup used for blending). Taste and adjust sweetness: if you want it sweeter, stir in honey or agave (about 1 tsp) or additional granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired level. Stir until sugar/honey dissolves.

5. 5

   Chill

   Refrigerate the mixture for at least 20 minutes to let flavors meld and to chill. If you need it immediately, add ice cubes to the pitcher, but note that melting ice will dilute the drink slightly.

6. 6

   Serve

   Fill glasses with ice. Stir the agua fresca well and pour into glasses. Garnish each glass with a lime slice and a mint sprig. Taste and adjust with more lime or sweetener if needed.

7. 7

   Storage

   Store any leftover agua fresca in a covered pitcher or jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Shake or stir before serving, as separation may occur. For longer storage, keep the strained cucumber concentrate and water/syrup separate and combine before serving.