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Agua Fresca is a refreshing fruit drink, especially during hot summer. It is also known as Cucumber Extract Mint Drink and is available in most African countries and you can actually make them yourself.
This drink is cool, sweeet and is great alongside spicy food. Enjoy this cucumber version as is, or add a splash of gin to turn it into a light aperitif or a delightful afternoon cocktail.
What is Agua Fresca?
Agua fresca, translated as fresh water or cool water is a chilled nonalcoholic drink popular in Mexico and Central America. It is most often made by blending fruit or soaked grains or by steeping plant blossoms in water.
It combines fresh fruit and/or vegetables with water and a little sugar (or agave) for sweetness. Some traditional recipes include grains and nuts as well.
Is a Cucumber Lime Agua Fresca Healthy?
Yes! Cucumbers are absolutely a nutrient-dense food. Cucumbers have a myriad of health benefits, including:
- They are incredibly hydrating, with a 96% water content.
- High amounts of antioxidants may help reduce chronic disease risk.
- Cucumbers may help with digestive regularity due to their water and fiber content.
So from a general nutrition perspective, this cucumber lime agua fresca can absolutely be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet!
It’s the Cucumber juice base that seems to have the effect of lowering one’s body temperature, it also help those who have been struggling with losing some weight. This drink not only helps in reducing the swelling of your stomach but also burn fat in stomach areas.
How To Prepare Cucumber Extract Mint Drink
Our Cucumber Ginger Mint recipe is quick and easy to make. You simply throw all the ingredients in the blender and puree it until the mixture is very smooth.
The blender breaks down the sugar, so it dissolves into the water. Therefore, there’s no need to make a simple syrup ahead of time.
Aqua Fresca recipes make fabulous nonalcoholic summer mocktails. You can serve them as-is or add a splash of lemon-lime soda for a little effervescence.
You can also turn agua fresca into a perky alcoholic summer cocktail by simply adding a shot of vodka, tequila, or rum.
For the ultimate treat, serve over lots of crushed ice and a wedge or two of fresh lime juice.
Can I Sweeten to my Preference?
Everyone in my family truly enjoys the simplicity of this beverage without sweeteners, but we all have difference preferences.
If you prefer your cucumber lime agua fresca a little sweeter, feel free to add a little sweetener to taste. Sugar is used in traditional recipes, but you can also use sweeteners like:
- Coconut sugar
- Agave syrup
- Honey
- Non-nutritive sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit, or allulose.
Did you make this recipe? Give it a rating below!
Cucumber Extract Mint Drink (Agua frescas)
Ingredients
- lime
- gin
- mint leaves
- cucumber
- sugar optional
Instructions
- Slice your Cucumber and put in a blender, adding other ingredients like mint leaves, gin and water (add enough water) blend until smooth.
- Place a fine mesh sieve over a bowl and pour the puree through it, use spoon or rubber spatula to press against the sieve so as to extract as much liquid out as possible.
- Put the ice cubes in a glass cup or large pitcher and add the juice.
- Cucumber Extract Mint Drink ready to be served.
