Ingredients

1 large cucumber (about 1.5 lbs, peeled, seeded, and roughly chopped)

0.5 cup fresh mint leaves (packed)

4 cups cold water (plus up to 2 additional cups, to taste)

0.25 cup freshly squeezed lime juice

0.25 cup granulated sugar (or agave syrup, adjust to taste)

0.125 tsp salt

Ice (for serving)

Lime slices (for garnish)

Fresh mint sprigs (for garnish)

Thin cucumber slices (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Wash the cucumber and mint leaves thoroughly. Peel the cucumber if you prefer, then cut it lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Roughly chop the cucumber into pieces. Remove the mint leaves from their stems.

Step 2: In a high-speed blender, combine the chopped cucumber, fresh mint leaves, 4 cups cold water, lime juice, sugar, and salt. Blend on high for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture is completely smooth and vibrant green.

Step 3: Place a fine-mesh sieve over a large pitcher. Pour the blended mixture through the sieve, pressing down on the solids with the back of a spoon or spatula to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the pulp left in the sieve.

Step 4: Taste the strained agua fresca. If it’s too strong or concentrated, add up to 2 more cups of cold water to reach your preferred flavor and consistency. Adjust sweetness or lime juice as you like.

Step 5: Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill and allow the flavors to meld.

Step 6: To serve, fill glasses with ice and pour the chilled agua fresca over. Garnish with mint sprigs, lime slices, or thin cucumber slices for a fresh, elegant presentation.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter green color and added fiber, leave some cucumber peel on before blending.

Substitute agave syrup or honey for sugar to suit your taste and dietary preferences.

Add a splash of sparkling water before serving for a fizzy twist.

Use fresh lemon juice instead of lime for a slightly different citrus note.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without a blender?

Using a blender is the best way to fully extract the flavors from cucumber and mint. If you don’t have one, you can finely grate the cucumber, muddle the mint leaves, and mix them with water and other ingredients, then strain carefully, though the texture may be less smooth.

Is it necessary to strain the mixture?

Straining helps remove pulp and gives the drink a smoother texture, but if you prefer a more rustic, pulpy drink, you can skip this step. Keep in mind that pulp may settle at the bottom of the glass.