Agua Fresca Cucumber Recipe

I was just chilling in my kitchen one day when I suddenly thought, “why not whip up this insanely refreshing cucumber agua fresca” that brings together crisp cucumber, tangy lime and a hint of sweetness perfect for when you need that quick cool down vibe.

I love Agua Fresca Cucumber cuz it’s refreshing and packed with nutrition. I mix a large english cucumber with cold water, lime juice, a bit of sugar and a pinch of salt.

I think it hydrates real good and tastes amazing when served over ice with fresh mint for garnish.

Ingredients

• English cucumber: Fresh and crisp, packed with fiber and vitamins that add a cool crunch.
• Cold water: Pure and hydrating, it helps blend all flavors into a smooth drink.
• Lime juice: Zesty and tart, it leaves a bright kick with plenty of Vitamin C.
• Sugar: Adds balancing sweetness to counter the sour citrus and fresh cucumber.
• Salt: A pinch lifts flavors, making every sip a bit more delicious.
• Fresh mint: Optional garnish with a herby aroma that amps up the freshness.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 large English cucumber, peeled and chopped
• 2 cups cold water
• Juice from 2 limes (about 1/4 cup)
• 3 to 4 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
• A pinch of salt
• Ice cubes for serving
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

How to Make this

1. First, peel and chop the English cucumber into small pieces.

2. Put the chopped cucumber into a blender with the 2 cups of cold water.

3. Blend them together until it becomes a smooth mixture (you dont need chunks).

4. Strain the blended mixture through a fine sieve into a pitcher to remove any pulp.

5. Add the juice from 2 limes, about 1/4 cup, into the pitcher with the strained liquid.

6. Mix in 3 to 4 tablespoons of granulated sugar and add a pinch of salt.

7. Stir well until the sugar completely dissolves. You might want to stir a few times more.

8. Chill the drink in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or serve immediately over ice cubes.

9. For an extra refreshing twist, garnish your drink with a few fresh mint leaves if you have them.

10. Taste it and adjust the sugar if needed before serving. Enjoy your Agua Fresca Cucumber!

Equipment Needed

1. A vegetable peeler to peel the cucumber
2. A chef’s knife and a cutting board for chopping the cucumber
3. A blender for pureeing the cucumber with the water
4. A fine mesh sieve for straining the blended mixture
5. A large pitcher for mixing the liquid with lime juice, sugar, and salt
6. A spoon or spatula for stirring everything together
7. Measuring cups and spoons for getting the right amounts of water, sugar, and salt
8. A citrus juicer (or fork to squeeze the juice) for extracting lime juice

FAQ

• Q: How do I make this Agua Fresca Cucumber?
  
  A: You just need to blend or process the peeled, chopped cucumber with cold water, lime juice, sugar, and a pinch of salt until its mostly smooth. Then strain if you want it extra smooth, chill for a bit, and serve over ice with a mint sprig on top.
• Q: Can I use a different kind of cucumber?
  
  A: English cucumbers are best since they’re less bitter and have fewer seeds. Other cucumbers might work but they can change the flavor a little.
• Q: How do I get the right sweetness?
  
  A: You can adjust the sugar to your taste. Start with 3 tablespoons then add more if it seems too tart for you.
• Q: Do I need to chill it before serving?
  
  A: Its best to chill it for at least 1 hour so all the flavors mix well. If you’re in a hurry, you can add plenty of ice to cool it down fast.
• Q: Can I use bottled lime juice?
  
  A: Sure, you can but i find freshly squeezed lime juice has a much better, natural zing in the drink.

Agua Fresca Cucumber Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you dont have a large English cucumber, you could use a medium Persian cucumber. Its sweeter and has fewer seeds.
• If cold water is unavailable, try using coconut water for a slightly tropical flavor.
• You can use lemon juice instead of lime juice but you might need to adjust to taste since its a bit different.
• Instead of granulated sugar, you can opt for honey, agave syrup, or even a sugar substitute like stevia. Keep in mind to tweak the amount for sweetness.
• If you dont have regular salt, a pinch of sea salt works pretty much the same.

Pro Tips

1. You can save extra flavor by not wasting any pulp. After straining the blended cucumber, use a spoon to press the remaining bits in the sieve. This trick helps get every bit of that fresh taste into your drink and its really worth it.

2. Make sure you really chill your drink for at least 30 minutes or even longer if you can. When the agua fresca is ice cold it tastes way better and more refreshing, especially on a hot day like today.

3. When you add the sugar, stir it in slowly while you taste as you go. Sometimes the limes can be a bit too sour, so you might need a tad bit more sugar than the recipe suggests. Just go by your taste buds and adjust it until it tastes right.

4. If you are using mint leaves, give them a little rub between your fingers first. That’s because rubbing releases oils in the mint and makes the flavor pop so much more in your drink.