Agua de Pepino con Limón (Cucumber and Lime Agua Fresca)
Agua de pepino, or cucumber agua fresca, is a refreshing Mexican cucumber drink made with just a few ingredients. It’s light, fresh, a little tart, and has just a touch of sweetness, making it the perfect drink to keep you cool all summer long.
What is Agua de Pepino
Agua de pepino literally translates to cucumber water, but it’s not just a pitcher of water with slices of cucumber. No, this Mexican beverage is a refreshing drink that is popular in Mexico, and it’s one of the many flavors of the popular aguas frescas.
If you don’t know what agua fresca is, its literal translation is “fresh water,” but in Mexico, it refers to drinks made from fresh sweet and sour fruits, grains, or edible flowers, which are blended or steeped with water and sweetened. Additionally, lime juice is often added for an extra pop of flavor.
These drinks are very popular all over Mexico, and you’ll often see them in homes, restaurants, markets, and small street vendors. They are a great and usually healthier alternative to soft drinks.
Also, because they are typically made with natural ingredients, they are more nutritious than sugary soft drinks. Just be mindful of how much sugar, if any, you add to the agua fresca you make.
Agua de pepino is a great drink to have on a really hot summer day because it makes you feel very refreshed. This is because cucumbers have a high water content, which of course keeps you hydrated in the heat.
This is also one of my favorite aguas frescas to drink, and it couldn’t be easier to make!
Why You’ll Love Agua de Pepino
• Cucumber is low in calories but packed with flavor and vitamins and minerals.
• Agua fresca de pepino will keep you hydrated and cool on a hot day.
• It’s kid friendly!
• You can enjoy a refreshing drink with less sugar than soft drinks or juice.
• It’s incredibly easy to make and can be customized with other fruits or herbs for added flavor and fun variations.
More Agua Fresca Recipes
- Agua de Sandia
- Agua de Piña or Pineapple Agua Fresca
- Papaya Agua Fresca with Orange Juice
- Dragon Fruit Agua Fresca
- Agua de Jamaica
- Blackberry Mint Agua Fresca
Ingredients Needed
Cucumbers: Regular green ones are the traditional ones used.
Lime Juice: Adds a touch of tartness and flavor.
Cold Water
Sugar: I don’t like to use a lot of sugar or sweetener in my drinks, so I use less than other recipes, but you can adjust to your personal preference.
Ice Cubes: Use plenty to serve the agua fresca ice cold for the best flavor.
Optional: To serve, you can add a few leaves of fresh mint and some slices of cucumber to the pitcher or each glass.
Alternative Flavors:
• Blend the mint leaves for a different flavor.
• Add a tablespoon of chia seeds for extra health benefits.
How to Make Agua de Pepino
Step One:
Peel and chop the cucumber and place it into the cup of your blender. Then add the lime juice, pinch of salt, sugar (if using), and enough water to cover the cucumber. Blend until perfectly smooth.
Step Two:
Place a fine mesh strainer over a large pitcher or a large bowl, then strain the mixture into it. Discard any leftover pulp.
Step Three:
Add ice cubes and the remaining water, and stir well. Taste and adjust lime juice or sugar if desired—remember, the sweetness is a matter of taste. If you are placing the pitcher on the table, you can make it look pretty by adding some slices of cucumber and mint leaves.
How to Serve
Add some ice cubes to your serving glass, then pour in the agua de pepino. You can decorate with cucumber slices and a sprig of mint leaves. Serve immediately.
This refreshing drink pairs well with just about any Mexican meal. Some of my favorites are tacos de papa, tacos de frijoles, cochinita pibil tacos, enchiladas rojas, bean salad, ensalada de pollo, and Mexican pasta salad.
Taste
Agua de pepino has a light, refreshing taste that is subtly sweet with a hint of tartness from the lime juice. The cucumber provides a cool, crisp flavor, making it an ideal drink for hot days.
Nancy’s Tips
• If you feel the flavor is too intense, you can add more water.
• You can completely omit the sugar or sweetener if you’d like.
• Instead of sugar you can sweeten with agave or simple syrup or monk fruit or stevia.
• Agua fresca tastes best when prepared and enjoyed on the same day.
How to Store
Refrigerate until ready to use. For optimal freshness, consume within two to three days.
Gracias
I’m so happy you stopped by. If you have any questions or want to let me know how you liked this recipe, do leave a comment. Muchas gracias, I appreciate you!
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Agua de Pepino con Limón (Cucumber and Lime Agua Fresca)
Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers peeled, seceded and chopped
- ½ cup lime juice juiced
- ¼ cup sugar adjust to taste*
- 5 to 6 cups cold water
- ice cubes
Optional
- 1 pinch salt to bring out flavor
- fresh mint leaves
- cucumber slices
Instructions
- Place the chopped cucumber into the cup of your blender. Then add the lime juice, sugar and salt (if using), and enough water to cover the cucumber. Blend until perfectly smooth.
- Place a fine mesh strainer over a large pitcher or a large bowl, then strain the mixture into it. Discard any leftover pulp.
- Add ice cubes and the remaining water, and stir well. Taste and adjust lime juice or sugar if desired. You can decorated the pitcher and serving glasses with some slices of cucumber and mint leaves.
- Serve chilled or store in the fridge until ready to use.
Notes
Nutrition
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Nancy Lopez is a food blogger and author of the cookbook Mexican Tamales Made Meatless. Born in Mexico, raised in the US, and currently living in Southern Mexico, she has followed a meatless diet for almost 10 years. It is her passion and mission to share all she has learned about vegan Mexican cooking and vegetarian Mexican recipes. Mexican Made Meatless is a blog dedicated to preserving the authentic flavors of Mexican cuisine just without the meat. It’s a place to celebrate Mexican culture and all it’s delightfully delicious traditional foods. Read more…
This looks fabulous! I will have to give it a try…although it is about 50 degrees out and raining atm, so maybe I will give a try in a few days!
– RFM
Hi RFM,
Thanks, yes do give it a try and please let me know how you like it. Maybe leave out the ice cubes on cold days and you could still enjoy it 🙂
I'm going to check your blog to see if you responded to my question about the coconut oil:)
Spicie
What a creative drink. Looks refreshing.At first glance I thought it was some kind of margarita,and was pleasantly surprised that it was made of cucumber!I'd love to guide our readers to your site if you won't mind.Just add your choice of foodista widget to this post and it's all set, Thanks!
Hi Alisa ,
I have come across your site and have been meaning to sign up. That would be great to have your readers stop by, everyone is welcome:) I will add the widget to this post and once I have signed up I will ad a badge to my sidebar.
~
I loved the fruit waters in Mexico, especially with watermelon. Never had cucumber water, but have to try it.
The watermelon one is also one of my favorites. Enjoy and I hope you give this a try soon.
Hi
This sounds lovely. How long would it keep in the fridge once made? I would like to take some to work if is able to keep!
Thanks