Staycation, anyone? One sip in and this cucumber lime agua fresca will have you feeling in full vacation mode. Made with just 3 ingredients in 10 minutes, it couldn’t be simpler or more refreshing!
It’s the ultimate hydrating sip, poolside drink, and also perfect for making in large batches for sharing. Let’s get refreshed!
What is an Agua Fresca?
An agua fresca (which translates to “fresh water”) is a refreshing drink widely popular in Central and South America, Mexico, and parts of the Caribbean. It’s typically a combination of water and sugar mixed with fruit, flowers, or other flavorful ingredients.
It’s thought that the making of agua frescas may go back centuries and that they may have originally been created by the Aztec people. The following is our inspired, naturally sweetened take based on one we tried in Mexico.
How to Make a Cucumber Lime Agua Fresca
This agua fresca employs the subtle, cooling, and thirst-quenching goodness of one of our favorite veggies: cucumber! The best part? You don’t even have to peel them. Just wash, chop, and toss in the blender!
Along with the cucumber, lime juice adds bright fruitiness while agave nectar (or maple syrup) adds a touch of sweetness. Mint is optional but highly recommended!
After combining the ingredients with water, it’s as easy as blend, strain, and serve. Easy peasy, lime squeezy! That’s how it goes, right?
We hope you LOVE this agua fresca, friends! It’s:
Refreshing
Subtly sweet
Hydrating
Quick & easy
& Vacay in a cup!
It’s the ultimate summer drink for parties, poolside, and beyond!
More Refreshing Summer Drinks
- Cucumber Cooler Cocktails
- Perfect Peach Iced Tea
- Summer in a Cup Smoothie
- Chili Lime Mango Margaritas
If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo @minimalistbaker on Instagram. Cheers, friends!
Cucumber Lime Agua Fresca
Ingredients
- 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)
- Ice cubes (for serving)
Instructions
- Before blending, we recommend tasting your cucumbers to see if the peel is bitter. We left our peels on for vibrant color and flavor, but bitter peels should be removed.
- Add all ingredients to a blender (starting with the lesser amount of agave or maple syrup) and blend until completely smooth. Pour through a fine mesh strainer over a large bowl or measuring cup to remove pulp, using a spoon to move it around and speed up straining as needed. Taste and adjust, adding more agave or maple syrup for sweetness or more lime juice for tartness.
- Serve chilled, over ice. Leftovers keep for 1-2 days in the refrigerator, or can be frozen into ice cubes or popsicle molds!
bern larson says
I am an insulin dependent diabetic and was wondering what and how much artifical sweetener to use. Thank you
Hi Bern, it will vary based on the sweetener used! We would suggest referencing the recommendations on the packaging of the sweetener you’re using (you can assume agave is similar to cane sugar for reference here), then adjust to taste. Hope that helps!
Luna says
I love how refreshing this was! I changed it a bit by putting honey instead of syrup and peppermint. But still, so good! :3
Wonderful! We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Luna. Thank you for the lovely review and for sharing your modifications! xo
Hanusia says
I’ve made this twice since you posted the recipe- so easy and perfectly refreshing!
We’re so glad you enjoy it, Hanusia! Thanks so much for the lovely review. xo
Chava says
Delicious! Easy!
I did it a little differently :)
I put 2 large cucumbers thru my juicer
Added 3 cups of cold water
Squeezed one lemon into it all
Added 2 Tablespoons of Canadian Maple Syrup
Stirred with a whisk
Perfect! And I love that it gives me potassium.
Thank you
We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Chava! Thanks so much for the lovely review and for sharing your modifications. xo
Miriam Kearney says
I’m confused – the recipe says “add all ingredients to the blender” but the video only shows cucumber and lime leaves with the lime on the edge of the glass”. There is no mention in the instructions about what to do with the lime although it says to cut up the cucumber.
Hi Miriam, good catch and sorry about that! It should say 3 medium limes, juiced. Does that clear up the confusion?