Can I use English cucumbers instead of regular cucumbers?

Absolutely! English cucumbers work wonderfully in this recipe and often have fewer seeds, which can create a smoother drink without straining. They tend to have a slightly milder, sweeter flavor that many people prefer for beverages.

My agua fresca tastes a bit bitter. What went wrong?

Bitterness can come from cucumber peels or seeds. Try peeling your cucumbers completely next time, and make sure to strain the mixture thoroughly. Also, some cucumbers naturally contain compounds that can taste bitter – using the freshest cucumbers and adding a touch more sweetener can help balance this.

How can I make this recipe lower in sugar?

You have several options! Try using a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit, or simply reduce the amount of sweetener gradually until you find your perfect balance. The lime juice helps maintain brightness even with less sweetness.

The drink separated after sitting in my fridge. Is it still good?

Completely normal! Natural separation happens with fresh juices and blends. Simply give it a good stir or quick shake before serving, and it will be just as delicious as when freshly made.

Cucumber Agua Fresca Recipe

Description

Cucumber Agua Fresca is a refreshing and light beverage made with cucumbers, lime juice, and a touch of sweetness. This drink is perfect for cooling off on hot days and can easily be customized with additional flavors or textures.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Cucumber Agua Fresca

3 large cucumbers, peeled or unpeeled
2 cups water
1/3 cup granulated sugar, honey, or agave
1/4 cup lime juice, freshly squeezed
1/8 teaspoon salt
Ice, as needed

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Instructions

Blend ingredients: Place all of the ingredients except for the ice into a blender. Blend on high for 2-3 minutes or until completely smooth.
Strain (optional): Pour the drink through a fine mesh sieve to strain out any thick pieces and seeds for a smoother texture.
Serve: Pour over ice and serve immediately for a refreshing drink.

Notes

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Freeze: Freeze into ice cubes or in freezer-friendly bags for up to 6 months. Thaw it in the fridge and serve as usual.
Lime Juice: Lemon juice works too. Freshly squeezed will give you the best flavor.
Add chia: Adding 1-2 tablespoons of chia seeds to the mixture after straining will give you another popular variety of cucumber-lemon agua fresca.
Leave the peel: Save a bit of time and leave the peel on the cucumbers.
Don’t strain it: You don’t have to strain the mixture for this recipe. It’s very common to find un-strained cucumber agua fresca at restaurants.
Make it fizzy: Swapping the water for sparkling water or Sprite can give your drink a good bit of fizziness.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 50
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 25mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg