Citrus-Mint Agua Fresca with Lime and Cucumber
A vibrant and hydrating summer drink combining fresh citrus juices, cooling cucumber, and aromatic mint for a perfect thirst quencher. This mexican-inspired cocktails & drinks (vegan, gluten free) ready in about 10 minutes brings together water, medium, peeled and chopped cucumber, (from about 4 limes) fresh lime juice for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 60 calories and feeds 6, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 1 medium, peeled and chopped cucumber
- 1/2 cup (from about 4 limes) fresh lime juice
- 1 cup (from about 3 oranges) fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup (from about 2 lemons) fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup, packed fresh mint leaves
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- as needed ice cubes
- for garnish lime slices
- for garnish mint sprigs
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a blender, combine 1 medium peeled and chopped cucumber, 4 cups water, 3 tbsp granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves. Blend on high for 1 minute until smooth and fragrant.
- Step 2: Strain the cucumber-mint mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a large pitcher, pressing with a spoon to extract all liquid.
- Step 3: Stir in 1/2 cup fresh lime juice, 1 cup fresh orange juice, and 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice until well combined.
- Step 4: Chill the agua fresca in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors and cool.
- Step 5: Serve over ice cubes in tall glasses, garnished with lime slices and fresh mint sprigs for a refreshing summer beverage.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Mint Agua Fresca with Lime and Cucumber take to make?
Total time is about 10 minutes (10 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Citrus-Mint Agua Fresca with Lime and Cucumber?
Refrigerate any leftover citrus-mint agua fresca with lime and cucumber in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Mint Agua Fresca with Lime and Cucumber?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Citrus-Mint Agua Fresca with Lime and Cucumber for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Citrus-Mint Agua Fresca with Lime and Cucumber vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
