Refreshing cucumber and mint agua fresca with lime and agave—cooling, hydrating, and ideal for a light detox.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Vegetables & Herbs
01 - 2 large cucumbers, peeled and coarsely chopped
02 - 1 packed cup fresh mint leaves (about 1 oz)
03 - Small handful fresh cilantro, optional (about 1/4 cup)
→ Citrus
04 - Juice of 2 limes (approximately 3 tablespoons)
→ Sweetener
05 - 2 tablespoons agave syrup (or honey or maple syrup as a variation)
→ Liquids
06 - 4 cups cold filtered water
07 - 1 cup ice cubes, plus extra for serving
→ Garnish
08 - Cucumber slices
09 - Lime wedges
10 - Sprigs of fresh mint
# How-To Steps:
01 - Rinse all produce. Peel and coarsely chop the cucumbers. Measure and loosely pack the mint leaves. Juice the limes and measure the agave syrup. Assemble ice and cold water.
02 - Place the chopped cucumbers, mint leaves, cilantro (if using), lime juice, agave syrup, cold water and the measured ice into the blender.
03 - Blend on high speed until completely smooth, about 30–45 seconds depending on blender power.
04 - Pour the blended mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large pitcher. Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to press and extract as much liquid as possible; discard the remaining pulp.
05 - Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity as needed—add a little more agave for sweetness or a squeeze of lime for brightness. For a sparkling version, stir in chilled sparkling water at this stage (replace up to half the still water).
06 - Fill glasses with ice, pour the strained beverage over ice, and garnish with cucumber slices, lime wedges and mint sprigs. Serve immediately for best freshness.
07 - Store any leftovers refrigerated and consume within 24 hours for peak flavor. To vary the profile, add a 1-inch knob of fresh ginger to the blender or substitute the sweetener as desired.
