Recipes

How to Make Cucumber Agua Fresca: A Refreshing Drink Recipe

Glass mexican pitcher full of green juice garnished with cucumber slices and squeezed out limes all around the pitcher. mint leaves on the table and pink kitchen towel.

Cucumber agua fresca is a light, refreshing, and healthy drink that’s perfect for warm days or whenever you need to quench your thirst. This simple, delicious beverage can be made in just a few minutes and can easily be customized to suit your taste. Whether you’re looking to hydrate after a workout or simply entertain with a flavorful, low-calorie beverage, cucumber agua fresca is the perfect choice. Give this easy recipe a try, and enjoy the benefits of this cool and nutritious drink!

mexican blown highball glass with blue rim is full of green cucumber juice and garnished with cucumber and lime slices and mint on top of a white counter

What is Agua Fresca?

Agua fresca, which translates to “fresh water” in Spanish, is a popular drink in Mexico and Central America. It’s made by blending fresh fruit or vegetables with water and adding a little sweetener. My mom always used sugar but I have switched to using honey as my sweetener of choice. Cucumber agua fresca, in particular, is made by blending fresh cucumbers with water, a touch of lime, and a sweetener like sugar or agave syrup. The result is a deliciously hydrating, light, and refreshing drink that’s perfect for hot days, entertaining and exercise recovery.

5 cucumbers and limes on a mexican pottery plate with other plates holding mint, and honey in a measuring cup on top of a jute placemat.

How to Make Cucumber Agua Fresca: A Refreshing Drink Recipe

When it comes to staying hydrated and refreshed, there’s nothing quite like a cool, refreshing glass of agua fresca. I grew up drinking this classic Mexican drink! Agua Fresca is made with fresh fruits or vegetables, water, and a touch of sweetener, making it the perfect beverage for warm weather. One of my most vivid memories of growing up is always having a pitcher of the week’s flavor of agua fresca and cucumber agua fresca is one of my favorites . With its crisp, slightly sweet flavor and hydrating properties, cucumber agua fresca is a must-try for anyone looking to beat the heat with the perfect refresher. In this blog post, I’ll show you how to make cucumber agua fresca, along with some helpful tips to customize the recipe to your liking!

cucumbers on a cutting board peeled halfway showing light and dark green stripes on the skin with mint sprigs.

Reasons why I love Cucumber Agua Fresca

  1. Hydrating: Cucumbers are made up of about 95% water, making them one of the best hydrating vegetables you can consume. Drinking cucumber agua fresca is an easy way to keep your body hydrated and refreshed.
  2. Low in Calories: Cucumber agua fresca is a light and healthy beverage that’s low in calories, especially if you control the amount of sweetener you add. It’s a great alternative to sugary sodas and other high-calorie drinks.
  3. Packed with Nutrients: Cucumbers are rich in vitamins and minerals like Vitamin K, Vitamin C, and potassium. They’re also high in antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and support overall health.
  4. Perfect for Hot Days: With its refreshing taste, cucumber agua fresca is ideal for cooling down on a hot day. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, attending a picnic, or simply lounging by the pool, cucumber agua fresca is the drink you’ll want to have on hand.
cucumbers peeled halfway showing the light and dark sking stripes on a cutting board. Large chunks of chopped cucumber and thin slices of cucumber show side by side alongside a knife.

Optional Variations:

  • For a slightly tangier flavor, you can add a pinch of salt or a few slices of jalapeño to spice things up.
  • Add other fruits or herbs, such as pineapple, or basil, to create a unique twist on this classic drink.
large cucumber chunks all inside a blender with juiced limes in the corner

Cucumber Agua Fresca is one of my favorite drinks because

Cucumber agua fresca is a light, refreshing, and healthy drink that’s perfect for warm days or whenever you need to quench your thirst. This simple, delicious beverage can be made in just a few minutes and can easily be customized to suit your taste. Whether you’re looking to hydrate after a workout or simply entertain with a flavorful, low-calorie beverage, cucumber agua fresca is the perfect choice. Give this easy recipe a try, and enjoy the benefits of this cool and nutritious drink!

giant glass dispenser full of cucumber juice and cucumber and mint garnish atop a wicker basket drink dispenser base surrounded by squeezed out limes.

Health Benefits of Cucumber Agua Fresca

Cucumber agua fresca is not only delicious but also offers several health benefits, making it a great choice for anyone looking to stay hydrated and healthy:

  1. Hydration: As mentioned, cucumbers are made of mostly water, making cucumber agua fresca an excellent hydrating beverage.
  2. Rich in Nutrients: Cucumbers provide vitamins like Vitamin K, Vitamin C, and folate, which support skin health, immunity, and bone health.
  3. Low-Calorie: With minimal calories and natural sweetness, cucumber agua fresca is a great alternative to high-calorie, sugary drinks.
  4. Detoxifying: Cucumbers contain antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and support detoxification in the body.

Tips for the Perfect Cucumber Agua Fresca

  • Adjust the sweetness: Depending on your taste preferences, feel free to adjust the sweetness level by adding more or less sweetener. You can also experiment with natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit for a sugar-free option.
  • Use cold water or chilled cucumbers: To make your agua fresca extra refreshing, ensure that the water and cucumbers are cold before blending.
  • Add some flavor: For a fun twist, try adding a few slices of fresh mint, basil, or even a splash of coconut water for added flavor and a tropical vibe.
  • Strain for smoothness: If you like a smoother texture, you can strain the mixture to remove the pulp and seeds. But if you enjoy a bit of texture, skip this step!
  • Batch it: This recipe is easy to double or triple if you’re serving a crowd. Just scale up the ingredients and blend in batches.
top view of pitcher full of cucumber ddrink and lime and cucumber slices

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Chef Bio

Sarah

Hi! My name is Sarah. My family in Mexico calls me Sarita. I love cooking and sharing the homemade meals my mom prepared for me when I was a child. At Casa Sarita, if there’s food, there’s a fiesta! I’m so glad you are here!

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