This recipe for agua fresca (which is Spanish for “fresh water”) is sweetened and flavored with fresh mint, cucumber and lime.
Serves 6
Ingredients:
4 medium cucumbers, peeled, seeded (optional) and sliced into ½-inch slices (about 5 cups)
½ cup water
Pinch of salt
3 cups ice cubes
1 small bunch fresh mint or basil (about 1 cup)
1 lime, juiced Agave nectar or sugar syrup (see following recipe)
Sweetener of choice: Honey, agave nectar, or sugar syrup (see following recipe)
Sliced cucumber, mint, and/or lime for garnish
In a blender, combine cucumber, water and salt. Cover and puree until smooth. If you want it perfectly smooth, sieve mixture, but this is not essential. Add ice cubes and mint, then blend. Stir in lime juice and sweeten with local honey, agave nectar, or sugar syrup to taste. To serve, add a slice of cucumber and lime with a sprig of mint to each glass. If serving in a pitcher, you can add sliced cucumbers and limes to the pitcher.
SUGAR SYRUP
Ingredients:
1 cup water
1 cup granulated sugar
In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar; heat and stir until sugar dissolves. Cool. Pour into a jar and store in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. –Adapted from bhg.com
Photo by Alison Penn
