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Fresh Cucumber Mint Agua Fresca

fresh cucumber mint agua fresca - featured image

A crisp, cool, and subtly sweet refreshing drink made with cucumbers, fresh mint, lime juice, and a touch of sweetener. Perfect for hot days and easy to prepare in just 10 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large English cucumbers or 3 medium slicing cucumbers, peeled and roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, tightly packed, washed and stems removed
  • Juice of 2 medium limes (about 3 tablespoons)
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons honey, agave syrup, or simple syrup (adjust to taste)
  • 4 cups cold water (960 ml)
  • Ice cubes for serving
  • Optional: cucumber slices and mint sprigs for garnish
  • Optional: pinch of sea salt to brighten flavors

Instructions

  1. Peel and roughly chop the cucumbers. Reserve about one-third for blending, and keep the rest chopped for texture.
  2. In a blender, add the one-third chopped cucumber, half of the mint leaves (about 1/4 cup), and 1 cup (240 ml) of cold water. Blend until smooth but not overly pulverized.
  3. Pour the blended mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large pitcher. Press out as much liquid as possible to remove excess pulp.
  4. Gently muddle the remaining mint leaves in the pitcher with a muddler or wooden spoon to release aroma without bitterness.
  5. Add the chopped cucumber pieces, fresh lime juice, sweetener (start with 2 tablespoons), and the remaining 3 cups (720 ml) of cold water. Stir well to combine.
  6. Taste and adjust sweetness or water as needed. Add a tiny pinch of sea salt if desired.
  7. Chill the pitcher in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let flavors marry. Alternatively, serve immediately over plenty of ice.
  8. Pour over ice into glasses, garnish with cucumber slices and mint sprigs, and enjoy.

Notes

Do not over-blend the mint to avoid bitterness. Strain the blended mixture for a smoother texture unless you prefer a pulpy drink. Chill thoroughly for best flavor. Use fresh lime juice for brightness. Adjust sweetener gradually to taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: agua fresca, cucumber mint drink, refreshing beverage, summer drink, healthy drink, vegan, gluten-free