Imagine a drink so refreshing it feels like a crisp breeze on a scorching summer day - that's exactly what Cucumber Agua Fresca (Agua de Pepino) promises! This Mexican classic isn't just a beverage; it's a liquid oasis that transforms simple ingredients into a hydrating masterpiece. Whether you're looking to beat the heat, impress your guests, or simply treat yourself to something extraordinarily cool, this agua fresca will become your new go-to summer sensation.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cucumber, peeled and chopped
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 cup sugar
- Juice of 1 lime
- Ice cubes
- Mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your cucumbers. Peel the cucumbers using a vegetable peeler and chop them into small pieces. This will help them blend more easily.
- In a blender, combine the chopped cucumber with 4 cups of water. Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Once blended, strain the cucumber mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large pitcher. This will separate the liquid from the pulp, giving you a smooth agua fresca.
- Add 1/4 cup of sugar to the strained cucumber water. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved. You can adjust the sweetness to your taste by adding more or less sugar.
- Next, squeeze the juice of 1 lime into the pitcher. This will add a refreshing citrus flavor to your agua fresca. Stir the mixture again to combine all the ingredients.
- To serve, fill glasses with ice cubes. Pour the cucumber agua fresca over the ice, filling each glass to the desired level.
- Garnish each glass with fresh mint leaves for an added touch of flavor and presentation.
- Enjoy your refreshing Cucumber Agua Fresca (Agua de Pepino) immediately, or refrigerate it for later use. Stir before serving if it has been sitting for a while.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Cucumbers: Select firm, dark green cucumbers for the most vibrant flavor and best results.
- Straining Matters: Use a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to ensure a silky-smooth texture without pulp.
- Sweetness Control: Start with less sugar and adjust to taste - everyone's sweetness preference differs.
- Chill Factor: For an extra cool drink, refrigerate the mixture before serving or use frozen cucumber chunks instead of ice.
- Garnish Creatively: While mint is classic, try adding a cucumber slice or lime wheel for visual appeal.
- Make Ahead: This drink can be prepared a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making it perfect for entertaining.
- Experiment with Variations: Add a splash of sparkling water for fizz, or blend in some fresh herbs like basil for a unique twist.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 30kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
