I was at a restaurant in Mexico the other day, and the waiter told me that they were making Cucumber Lime Agua Fresca in the kitchen. It wasn’t on the menu and “exclusive for a short time.” Translation: “until they run out.” These are the advantages of being fully bilingual: being able to order stuff on the restaurant’s hidden menu.
The weird thing about traveling back and forth to Mexico is existing in two countries, two completely different cultures. Even for Mexican-Americans who don’t visit the motherland often, they experience a cultural change. For me, though, I love being able to move so easily in both countries. Some people ask me: Is it safe? … You guys, Downtown San Diego scares me more than Mexico. Have you seen that homeless lady singing and dancing in the middle of the street as cars and buses try to dodge her? I don’t know whether to clap or cross to the other side of the street!
This Cucumber Lime Agua Fresca is a popular beverage. I know it sounds strange. You want me to drink a Cucumber? YES! Cucumber is a fruit. Light, refreshing, and perfect for the warm weather months. In Mexico, you see señores riding in bikes with large containers of Agua Frescas. You can also find them at ice cream and popsicle shops. They are everywhere because there is no waste. You gotta do something with overly ripe fruit. It’s a genius invention!
Even my gringo husband is starting to learn Spanish, and not just the bad words either. 😉 … He loves this Cucumber Lime Agua Fresca. The two go together so well. Every now and then, after our Little Red has gone to bed, we add some adult liquid. It makes a delicious beverage for those 21 years and over!
- 2 cucumbers, peeled and chopped
- 6 cups of water
- ½ cup fresh lime juice (about 5-6 limes)
- ⅔ cup sugar
- In a blender add cucumbers, lime juice, sugar, and 3 cups of water.
- Blend until smooth.
- Strain the liquid into a pitcher.
- Press down with the back of spoon to extract all of the juice.
- Discard the pulp
- Add the remaining water.
- Taste for good measure.
- Serve chilled over ice.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.
candy says
Not sure about this one. Only way I will know is to try it and see what everyone thinks.
Maggie Unzueta says
You’re going to love it. Hope you try it!
Rachel @ My Urban Oven says
Give me some vodka and this would be perfect 😉 Cucumber is always great infused in water, I bet this is even better!
Maggie Unzueta says
Oh yeah! We add a little vodka to this agua fresca … after our kiddo has gone to bed. 🙂
Leah says
This sounds so refreshing, and the perfect way to cool off this summer!
Maggie Unzueta says
It’s my favorite summer drink. 🙂
Kate says
THis looks like a beautifully refreshing drink. Yum! I am looking forward to a few weeks from now after I have my baby and enjoying a drink like this in the summer sun!
Maggie Unzueta says
I can’t wait for the sun to come out. It’s been playing peek-a-boo in San Diego…
Kimberly @ Berly's Kitchen says
This is a great drink for summer! The flavors you used are wonderful, and it sounds so easy to make. Definitely, need to try this.
Maggie Unzueta says
Easy and refreshing. Love this drink!
Susan says
Just so you know, I made this sugar free because I’m doing a keto diet, and it was delicious. I used Swerve (powdered dissolved easily) which is an all natural sweetener mix of stevia and erythritol. To taste as I don’t think it is one to one with sugar. Very yummy and low cal.
Maggie Unzueta says
My dad is a diabetic. How you made it is exactly how I make it for him.
Jodi says
This was so delicious!!! I used 1.5 large peeled/seeded cucumbers, 4 large limes (approx 150 mL), 1 tbsp agave, 2 stevia packets, 2 shakes of salt. And a couple cups of water and ice. It was a little tart but so good, so refreshing. Took it to a friend gathering and everyone loved it. Served 4 with multiple refills.
Maggie Unzueta says
I read your comment and had to make this Cucumber Lime Agua Fresca again. Love it! Thank you for making this recipe.
Maria says
Just made this! Super easy and so yummy! I plan to use it in a drink I had at a restaurant that added gin and extra lime juice.
Anonymous says
Sounds delicious. Has anyone tried it with honey in place of the sugar?!
Shelley says
Just made this today. We have an over abundance of home grown delicious limes and this makes good use of them! It’s very very frefrshing! Tonight? We will add some vodka! Thanks for the recipe. Really fantastic!
Maggie Unzueta says
We sometimes add vodka too. Love this agua fresca!