Agua fresca de pepino – refreshing cucumber and lime drink Recipe
Agua fresca de pepino is a light, very refreshing drink made from blended cucumber, lime, water and a little sugar. In Mexico, drinks like this are sold in huge glass jars at markets and on the streets as an alternative to fizzy soft drinks. This cucumber version is especially popular on hot days because it tastes like a cross between lemonade and cucumber water.
Agua fresca de pepino is the essence of a Mexican summer – a light drink that quenches thirst better than most sweet lemonades. The delicate flavour of cucumber combined with lime and a touch of sugar gives an effect somewhere between flavoured water and a cocktail, but without the heaviness and extra calories. In Mexico it’s served from huge jars at markets, where the colour of the drink immediately catches the eye in the heat.
Chef's tips
If you have a powerful blender, you don’t need to peel the cucumbers completely – leaving some of the skin on boosts the colour and adds a slight bitterness that nicely balances the sweetness. After blending, it’s worth pressing the liquid thoroughly through a sieve or cheesecloth so the drink is clear and pleasant to sip. Start cautiously with the sugar: it’s easier to add more at the end than to rescue an overly sweet agua fresca with extra water.
How to serve
It tastes best well chilled, with plenty of ice and mint leaves – it’s a great drink for evenings on the balcony or for a barbecue instead of sugary fizzy drinks. It pairs well with spicy dishes like tacos or nachos with salsa, as it softens the heat and refreshes the palate. For home parties you can serve it in a glass jug with cucumber and lime slices – it then looks like a light, summery cocktail.
Ingredients
- cucumber - 2 piece
- water - 900 ml
- lime - 2 piece
- sugar - 3 tablespoons
- mint - 0.25 bunch
- ice - 10 piece
Preparation
- Wash the cucumbers; if the skin is thick or bitter, peel it partially. Cut the cucumbers into smaller pieces so they fit more easily into the blender.
- Wash the limes thoroughly; cut a few thin slices from one lime for garnish and squeeze the juice from the rest.
- Put the cucumber pieces, lime juice, sugar and about 200 ml of water into a blender. Blend for 1–2 minutes until you get a smooth green liquid.
- Pour the liquid through a fine sieve into a large jug, pressing the pulp with a spoon to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the remaining pulp or use it in a smoothie.
- Add the remaining water to the jug, stir and taste. If needed, add more sugar or lime juice, depending on whether you prefer a sweeter or more tart drink.
- Add ice cubes, a few sprigs of mint and the lime slices. Chill in the fridge for 5–10 minutes so the drink gets really cold and takes on the mint aroma.
- Serve in tall glasses with ice cubes, garnished with a mint leaf and a slice of lime.
Storage
Keep any leftover agua fresca covered in the fridge and drink within 24 hours for the freshest flavour. Stir before serving, as natural sediment may form.
