Cucumber Lime Agua Fresca is the refreshingly simple, blissfully vibrant drink you’ll want to sip on all summer long. Crisp cucumbers, zesty lime juice, and a touch of sweetness come together with cooling mint to create a thirst-quenching, ice-cold beverage that’s equal parts hydrating and uplifting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra Refreshing: Nothing says pure refreshment like a tall glass of Cucumber Lime Agua Fresca, especially on a hot day—it’s hydration that feels like a mini vacation.
- Ridiculously Easy: With a quick blend and strain, you’ll have a gorgeous drink in minutes—no fancy equipment or experience necessary.
- Naturally Light & Wholesome: Made from real produce, just a kiss of natural sweetener, and bright lime, it’s a delicious drink you can feel good about.
- Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing: Serve it at brunch, picnics, or backyard parties—everyone will be asking for seconds (and the recipe!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Cucumber Lime Agua Fresca is in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a key role in creating that signature flavor and dreamy color. You only need a handful of fresh items, so quality really shines here.
- 2 medium cucumbers (about 4 cups, chopped): Choose firm, unwaxed cucumbers. The peel adds beautiful color and earthy freshness, but remove it if your cucumbers taste bitter.
- 3 medium limes, juiced (about 1/4 cup): Freshly squeezed lime delivers unmatched zing and brightness—don’t use bottled juice if you can help it!
- 2-3 Tbsp agave nectar or maple syrup: These natural sweeteners dissolve easily, giving the agua fresca just the right touch of sweetness. Adjust to taste.
- 1 small handful fresh mint leaves (optional, but recommended): Mint transforms every sip into a cooling herbal experience—if you have access, don’t skip it.
- 3 cups water: Filtered water is best for a clean, crisp taste.
- Ice cubes (for serving): Essential for turning this drink into a frosty treat—always add right before serving.
Variations
No two pitchers of Cucumber Lime Agua Fresca need to be alike! Feel free to let your tastebuds (or your pantry) lead the way—this recipe is wonderfully flexible, so you can tweak the flavors and even add a little twist for special occasions.
- Berry Twist: Add a handful of strawberries or raspberries to the blender for a fruity, pink-tinted spin that looks as cheerful as it tastes.
- Lemon-Lime Fusion: Swap some or all of the lime juice for lemon for a citrusy blend that’s both familiar and unique.
- Sparkling Agua Fresca: Mix with plain or lime-flavored sparkling water just before serving for festive fizziness.
- Herbal Upgrade: Experiment with basil, cilantro, or even a hint of ginger for a sophisticated herbal note.
How to Make Cucumber Lime Agua Fresca
Step 1: Prep the Cucumbers
Start by washing your cucumbers thoroughly; if you love a vibrant green color and extra nutrients, keep the peels on—just make sure to slice off any waxy or bitter bits. Roughly chop them so your blender can do its magic quickly and smoothly.
Step 2: Blend Everything Together
Add the chopped cucumbers, freshly squeezed lime juice, water, sweetener (start with the lesser amount), and mint leaves to your blender. Blend on high until everything is liquefied and the color is a cheerful, bold green. Give it a taste—you want to check for that perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
Step 3: Strain and Adjust
Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a large bowl or pitcher, using the back of a spoon to help press out all that delicious liquid. Discard any remaining pulp. Now’s the time to tweak: add another splash of lime for zing or a bit more agave for sweetness if you like.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Let your Cucumber Lime Agua Fresca chill in the fridge until very cold, or serve it right away over plenty of ice cubes. Pour into glasses, garnish if you’d like (more on that below!), and revel in your freshly-made, utterly refreshing creation.
Pro Tips for Making Cucumber Lime Agua Fresca
- Taste Before Blending: If your cucumbers have a bitter peel, peel them first—bitterness can really overpower your agua fresca.
- Ultra-Smooth Texture: Strain with a fine mesh sieve and stir gently with a spoon to get the clearest, most elegant drink (no pulp stuck in your straw!).
- Chill Thoroughly: Cucumber Lime Agua Fresca shines when served icy cold, so pop it in the fridge or add lots of ice right before pouring.
- Mint Matters: Slap the mint leaves between your palms before blending—they’ll release even more of that garden-fresh aroma and flavor.
How to Serve Cucumber Lime Agua Fresca
Garnishes
A sprig of fresh mint, a thin wheel of lime, or a few delicate cucumber ribbons instantly elevate your glass of Cucumber Lime Agua Fresca from everyday to elegant. These little flourishes add aroma and color—perfect for wow-factor at your next gathering.
Side Dishes
This crisp, light agua fresca is the ultimate palate cleanser and pairs beautifully with spicy dishes, tacos, grilled veggies, or any outdoor picnic fare. It’s especially fabulous alongside salty snacks like tortilla chips and guacamole, allowing the flavors to dance together.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, serve Cucumber Lime Agua Fresca in a clear dispenser garnished with floating cucumber slices and lime rounds—it makes a show-stopping centerpiece! Or, pour it into popsicle molds for the prettiest, most hydrating frozen treats that kids and adults both adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cucumber Lime Agua Fresca stays bright and delicious for 1-2 days in the refrigerator. Store it in a covered pitcher or jar, and give it a good stir before serving—freshness comes first with this vibrant drink.
Freezing
Pour leftovers into ice cube trays or popsicle molds and freeze. These agua fresca ice cubes are perfect for dropping into sparkling water or lemonade, while popsicles make a ridiculously fun frozen snack to beat the heat.
Reheating
This is a cold and refreshing drink, so reheating isn’t needed—but if yours has chilled into a slushy consistency after freezing, simply let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes, then stir gently to bring back its smooth, liquid state.
FAQs
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Can I make Cucumber Lime Agua Fresca without a blender?
Yes, you can use a food processor or even a hand-held immersion blender in a pinch. For a chunkier texture, you could finely grate the cucumber and mix thoroughly with the remaining ingredients, then strain and chill as usual.
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How sweet is this drink?
The beauty of Cucumber Lime Agua Fresca is how customizable it is—start with a small amount of sweetener, taste, and adjust upwards until it’s perfect for your preference. You can easily make it more tart or more sweet depending on who you’re serving!
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Is this recipe vegan and gluten-free?
Absolutely! The basic recipe is naturally vegan (just use either maple syrup or agave), and it’s entirely gluten-free. Double-check your sweetener if you have allergies or sensitivities to ensure it’s processed safely.
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Can I make Cucumber Lime Agua Fresca ahead of time for a party?
Yes! You can make it a few hours in advance and keep it covered and chilled in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before serving and add fresh ice and garnishes right before your guests arrive—it makes entertaining a breeze.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite as satisfying as serving a big pitcher of homemade Cucumber Lime Agua Fresca and watching faces light up with that first cool, zippy sip. It’s the ultimate summer refresher—bright, cheerful, and bursting with goodness. Give it a try, and let it become your go-to for sunny days and joyful gatherings!
Print
Cucumber Lime Agua Fresca Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 (~1 cup servings) 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Stay refreshed with this easy-to-make Cucumber Lime Agua Fresca. This light and hydrating drink is perfect for hot days or any time you need a cool, revitalizing beverage.
Ingredients
For the Agua Fresca:
- 3 cups water
- 2 medium cucumbers, roughly chopped (2 medium cucumbers yield ~4 cups or 450 g chopped)
- 3 medium limes, juiced (3 medium limes yield ~1/4 cup or 60 ml juice)
- 2–3 Tbsp agave nectar or maple syrup
- 1 small handful fresh mint leaves (optional but highly recommended // 1 small handful yields ~15–20 leaves)
For Serving:
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Prepare Cucumbers: Check if cucumber peels are bitter and remove if necessary. Chop cucumbers roughly.
- Blend Ingredients: In a blender, combine water, cucumbers, lime juice, agave nectar or maple syrup, and mint leaves. Blend until smooth.
- Strain Mixture: Pour the blended mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl or measuring cup to remove pulp.
- Adjust Flavor: Taste the mixture and adjust sweetness or tartness by adding more agave or lime juice.
- Serve: Chill the Agua Fresca and serve over ice cubes.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 1-2 days or freeze into ice cubes or popsicles.
Notes
- *Nutrition information is a rough estimate calculated with the lesser amount of agave nectar and without optional ingredients.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: Approx. 80 kcal
- Sugar: Approx. 10g
- Sodium: Approx. 10mg
- Fat: Approx. 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 20g
- Fiber: Approx. 2g
- Protein: Approx. 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
