The inspiration for this little cocktail started with a cucumber sale at the local grocery — the idea grew with a craving for a gin fizz, and then peaked 2 weeks ago when I found a great last minute deal to Mexico — which is where we’re going in about an hour.
I’m sitting in the gate at the airport, finally getting around to posting the recipe for this refreshing, and vitamin-enriched drink. I know that some of you are thinking that maybe tequila would have been a better booze to match with my Mexico-inspired cucumber agua fresca with a touch of lime — I’m thinking, that whatever alcohol you pick, it will result in a cool, fortifying afternoon drink to sit back and relax with on the deck.
Spare Howard and I a thought while you’re chilling out, will you? We just checked the weather forecast, and it looks like we’re in for a week of Mexican thunder and lightning. Maybe that’s why it was such a deal…
It’s important to let the strained liquid rest — that’s how you get a crystal clear agua fresca.
Cucumber-Mint Agua Fresca
Yield: approx 3 cups
| English Cucumber, roughly chopped | 2 large |
| Fresh Mint | 6 sprigs |
| Water | 2 C |
| Salt | 2 pinches |
C=Cup
Puree all ingredients in a food processor. Strain through a sieve lined with 3 layers of cheesecloth. Allow the strained liquid to rest in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours, until it separates. Carefully pour the clear liquid – the agua fresca — off the top and reserve. Discard the liquid at the bottom.
Store the agua fresca, covered, in the fridge, for up to 3 days. Makes a wonderful thirst quencher with mixed with water and simple syrup.
For a Cucumber Agua Fresca Gin Fizz, pour 1 measure of gin over some ice. Add 2 measures agua fresca, 1 measure simple syrup and a squeeze of lime. Top it off with sparkling water, and you have yourself SOME beverage!








I like your use of gin – it seems like it would go better with the cucumber than tequila. Also, I haven’t seen your site in a while, but I love the new layout! Very classy.
Thanks so much Nova!
What a refreshing-looking drink, with or without the gin! Would you use the same method to make other kinds of agua fresca?
Kath,
The method is the same…watermelon…canteloupe…you name it! Simply puree with a pinch or 2 of salt to draw out the moisture, strain, then let it sit for a few hours until the clear liquid sits on top. Have fun with it…Theresa
Yay! Another brilliant thing to do with my cucumbers. Thanks!
That looks and sounds so refreshing. I think the smell of cucumber is one of summer’s best. Thanks for a truly inspired drink.
This drink sounds so cooling–very refreshing with and without the gin fizz! Have a great time in Mexico!
I love cucumber and I love gin so this is a perfect recipe for me. I am bookmarking it and going to try it very soon!
Mmmm….cucumber and mint! It’s a winning combination and I will have to mix this up ASAP! Thanks for sharing!