Go Back

Cucumber Agua Fresca

A refreshing and herbal drink made with cool cucumber, bright lime, and a touch of honey, perfect for warm afternoons and casual gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Beverage, Non-Alcoholic
Cuisine: Mexican, Refreshing
Calories: 80
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 3 small small cucumbers, cut into chunks Use English or Persian cucumbers for thinner skins and fewer seeds.
  • 10 leaves fresh basil leaves or mint Muddle slightly before blending to release oils.
  • 2 whole limes, unpeeled and cut into quarters Be cautious not to overblend with lime peel to avoid bitterness.
  • 1 tablespoon lemongrass paste or fresh lemongrass, or ginger Omit for a cleaner cucumber lime agua fresca.
  • 1/2 cup sugar Adjust sweetness to taste.
  • 1/4 cup honey Dissolve in warm water if using instead of sugar.
  • 2 cups water (plus an additional 2 cups later) Chill all ingredients beforehand to speed chilling.
  • to taste ice for serving Serve well chilled over plenty of ice.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Place the cucumbers, basil or mint, limes, lemongrass or ginger, sugar, honey, and 2 cups of water into a blender.
  2. Blend the mixture until smoothish, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
  3. Position a fine mesh strainer over a pitcher and pour the blended mixture through it to catch all the pulp.
  4. Discard the pulp or save a spoonful for garnish if desired.
  5. Stir an additional 2 cups of water into the strained liquid to reach the desired strength.
  6. Taste and adjust sweetness with more honey or sugar if necessary.
  7. Chill the pitcher in the fridge until cold.
Serving
  1. Serve over ice and garnish with cucumber slices or basil leaves.

Notes

For a sparkling version, replace half the additional water with soda water just before serving. For a herb-forward twist, use more basil and less lime.