Agua fresca loosely translated means ‘cool waters’. A non-alcoholic drink using fruits, seeds, cereals and flowers. As cucumber is botanically a fruit, Cucumber Lime Agua Fresca fits into this fruit category. Vividly green and refreshing, enjoy it as a non-alcoholic drink or, as I’ve done in the past, add tequila and either triple sec or Cointreau to it for a margarita. The addition of jalapenos muddled into the mix takes it to another level. Agua frescas are popular in Mexico and Latin America and often sol by street vendors. Luckily for us these vibrate, fun drinks have made their way to the US and are gaining popularity. No surprise really: colorful, perfect for a party, easy to make and compared to many other beverages, they’re better for you, especially if you’re light on the sugar.
Lovonis Lark
recipes + wellness
Cucumber & Lime Agua Fresca
A batch of the agua fresca stored in a sealed jar in the fridge will keep for a few days. Just give it a good shake before serving. Pour over ice and serve as is or add some sparkling water. For an alcoholic kick you can turn this into a margarita – I know because I’ve done it. Just add tequila and triple sec or Cointreau.
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar or monk fruit sugar (or other low carb alternative)
- 2/3 cup water
- 3 large English cucumbers, chopped
- 5 cups of water divided
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup fresh lime juice
- Ice cubes for serving
- Mint leaves for serving
- Sliced cucumber and lime for garnish
- Combine the sugar and 2/3 cup of water together in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Allow the mixture to come to a simmer and let simmer for a minute, uncovered. Remove from the heat and cool completely.
- Meanwhile, add the cucumber to a blender. Add half of the second lot of water - 2 1/2 cups. Blitz until the mixture is very well blended and almost smooth. It doesn’t go completely smooth and that’s not what you’re looking for. Tip the mixture through a fine metal sieve into a large glass jug or bowl. Press lightly to remove the liquid. Discard the solids.
- Add the remaining 2 1/2 cups of water, lime juice and cooled sugar syrup to the cucumber water; give it a good stir.
- Fill serving glasses with ice and top with mint leaves, cucumber and lime garnish. Pour over the agua fesca. Serve immediately.