This classic Mexican Cucumber Lime Agua Fresca uses only 4 simple ingredients. Light and refreshingly delicious, agua de pepino is so easy to prepare and the perfect drink for the warm weather.
Perhaps you’re more familiar with aguas frescas made of fruits such as watermelon or cantaloupe, but let me tell you, cucumbers make amazing aguas frescas! Made with only 4 ingredients, this Cucumber Lime Agua Fresca (known as agua de pepino in Spanish) is refreshing, sweet, and just a little tart.
I also find it to be one of the easiest aguas frescas to prepare. Plus, we usually have cucumbers on hand so even though it is especially great for the summer months, we tend to enjoy this delicious drink year round.
Cucumbers also are very nutritional making this a great choice over soda or other store-bought drinks. Click here to learn more about cucumber’s health benefits.
What is an Agua Fresca?
In Spanish, the term “agua fresca” literally means fresh water and refers to sweetened blended drinks. The flavors are endless and made by blending fresh fruit, cereals, flowers, rice, or seeds with sugar and water to create a refreshing type of juice.These delightful drinks are very popular in Mexico and can be found in places such as stores, restaurants, sold by street vendors, and in neverias (ice cream shops).
One great thing about aguas frescas is you can really play around with the proportions of the ingredients based on your personal taste, but I have included the exact measurements I like to use in the recipe below. Also, traditionally aguas frescas use cane sugar as the sweetener, but I prefer to use alternative sweeteners such as agave syrup, monk fruit, honey, maple syrup or date syrup (just keep in mind that honey, maple syrup and date syrup will alter the flavor of the final product).
The Ingredients
To make this agua de pepino, you need:
Cucumbers
I usually use regular, slicing cucumbers, but English cucumbers and Persian cucumbers will also work.
Limes
Lime juice adds a slight tartness to this agua fresca that compliments the cucumber flavor beautifully.
Agave Syrup
I prefer the subtle flavor of agave and how well it dissolves into the drink, but you can use the sweetener of your choice.
Water
How to Make Cucumber Lime Agua Fresca
To begin, add 6 cups of water to a blender, 2 medium cucumbers, 1/3 cup of lime juice, and 1/4 cup of agave syrup.
Just a note that it is not necessary to peel the cucumbers. The peel is high in fiber, vitamins and minerals and will add a beautiful green color to the drink. However, certain types of cucumbers can have a peel that is a bit bitter so I recommend partly peeling the cucumbers to reduce some of the bitterness without getting rid of all of the peel’s nutritional benefits.
Blend until smooth, taste and add more sweetener as needed.
If you’re using a high-powered blender, there should be no need to strain. However, if you don’t own one and you prefer little to no pulp, use a fine mesh strainer to strain the liquid into a pitcher.
Serve chilled or over ice.
Storing Agua De Pepino
This cucumber agua fresca is best enjoyed on the same day you make it. However, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 to 3 days in a tightly sealed jar or bottle. The pulp will settle at the bottom of the container, so just give it a quick shake or mix before serving.
Variations
Here are some easy ways to add a little variety to this cucumber water:
- Chia Seeds: In Mexico, it is very common to find agua de pepino with chia seeds. Not only do they provide additional nutritional value, but chia seeds add a great consistency to this drink.
- Tajin: Tajin (a dried, ground chile with dehydrated lime and salt) and cucumbers are amazing together. Rim your glass with lime juice and Tajin for a special spicy version.
- Mint: Blend 1/4 cup of fresh mint leaves with the other ingredients for a minty variation.
I hope you enjoy this fresh, cooling Cucumber Lime Agua Fresca!
Please leave me a comment below if you make this or tag me on Instagram @everydaylatina.
Check out these other delicious agua frescas:
Cucumber Lime Agua Fresca
Equipment
- Blender
- Fine Mesh Strainer
Ingredients
- 2 medium cucumbers
- 1/3 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup agave syrup or preferred sweetener (plus more per personal taste)
- 6 cups cold water
Instructions
- Partially peel the cucumbers (see notes). Cut them into large pieces and place them in a blender.
- Add the rest of the ingredients to the blender.
- Blend until smooth, taste and add more sweetener as needed.
- For little to no pulp, use a fine mesh sieve to strain the liquid into a pitcher. If using a high-powered blender, straining should not be necessary.
- Serve chilled or over ice.
- Store in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days in a tightly sealed jar or bottle. Shake or mix before serving.
Notes
- The cucumber peel is high in fiber, vitamins and minerals. However, the peel can be a bit bitter so I recommend partly peeling the cucumbers to reduce some of the bitterness without getting rid of all of the peel’s nutritional benefits.
- Variations:
- Chia Seeds: In Mexico, it is very common to find agua de pepino with chia seeds. Not only do they provide additional nutritional value, but chia seeds add a great consistency to this drink.
- Tajin: Tajin (a dried, ground chile with dehydrated lime and salt) and cucumbers are amazing together. Rim your glass with lime juice and Tajin for a special spicy version.
- Mint: Blend 1/4 cup of fresh mint leaves with the other ingredients for a minty variation.
