Cucumber Lime Water
For a refreshing and hydrating drink, look no further than this cucumber lime agua fresca. You can have a large jug prepared in the fridge all day. Serve it cold with mint leaves and sweeten it more or less according to your palate. The quantities are a guide and you can add more or less of any ingredient.
Servings 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 limes sliced
- 1 large cucumber sliced
- 2 tablespoons mint leaves optional
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 3 to 4 cups fresh water
- 1 to 2 tablespoons simple syrup or honey optional
- a dash of club soda or sparkling water optional for a bubblier drink
For the simple syrup:
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
- Two ways of making this flavored water. In both cases, place thin lime or cucumber slices with mint leaves in the glasses before serving. If you like it unsweetened, omit the syrup.
Infuse the ingredients first:
- Add 2 limes and 1 large cucumber slices to a jar (I use a large measuring jar)
- Fill with fresh water to about 2 inches over the ingredient line.
- Stir and refrigerate for 1 hour. Check the flavor and infuse longer if desired. The flavor must be strong as it will be diluted when the rest of the water is added.
- Strain into a large pitcher. Add 1 cup ice cubes, fresh cucumber and lime slices.
- Sweeten according to your taste with 1 to 2 tablespoons simple syrup or honey, and add 2 tablespoons mint leaves if desired.
Make a quick cucumber lime water:
- Mix 1 cup ice cubes and 3 to 4 cups fresh water in a large pitcher, leaving 2-3 inches of space at the top.
- Add 2 limes and 1 large cucumber slices and 2 tablespoons mint leaves, if desired. Stir and serve immediately. It will have little flavor initially and intensify as the hours go by.
For the simple syrup:
- You can choose not to sweeten it at all and omit this syrup.
- Put ¼ cup sugar and ¼ cup water in a small saucepan and stir to dissolve.
- Cook over medium heat until it comes to a boil. Remove from heat and let cool before using.
- Keep refrigerated in an airtight jar. It lasts indefinitely.
Notes
How to choose cucumbers: look for firm ones that slightly give when pressed with smooth skin, no blemishes, or rough or yellow patches.
Peeling cucumbers: Not necessarily, but it's a matter of personal preference. Wash them well and slice. The peel or skin adds texture to the water. However, if you prefer a smoother drink or are concerned about any bitterness that it might have, peel it before slicing. It's entirely up to you and your desired taste and texture for your cucumber water.
Variation: Use ½ to 1 cup of lime juice and pieces of lime peel instead of the lime slices. This comes in handy if you want it to have a strong lime flavor immediately. The cucumbers have to be added in slices, and thin ones will render flavor quicker than thick ones.
If you want a more bubbly agua fresca, sub half the regular water for club soda or sparkling water.
Storage: Cucumber lime water is best consumed within 24 hours for optimal flavor and freshness. After that time, the flavors may weaken, and the water might lose some crispness. It's recommended to store the infused water in the refrigerator to maintain its quality. If you notice any changes in taste or smell, or if the water becomes cloudy, it's a sign that it's no longer fresh and should be discarded.
