Agua de Pepino (cucumber agua fresca)

Agua de pepino is a light, refreshing Mexican cucumber agua fresca made with water, lime, and a touch of sweetness. It is crisp, fresh, and perfect served ice cold.

this recipe

Agua de pepino is also very easy to customize depending on your taste, whether you like it sweeter, more tangy, or completely sugar-free. A simple drink you can make anytime and keep in the fridge to enjoy throughout the day.

But what I love most is that it is made with simple ingredients and comes together in about 10 minutes!

If you want to try other agua fresca flavors, I recommend my agua de fresa or agua de mango. I’ve also put together a complete collection of my favorite aguas frescas recipes so you can try a new one every week!

Ingredients

• Cucumbers
• Limes (or lemons)
• Sugar (or your preferred sweetener)
• Water

How To Make Agua de Pepino

Start by giving the cucumbers a good wash under cold running water. I usually peel them, but if they’re organic and I want a deeper green color, I leave the skin on because it makes the drink look extra fresh and vibrant.

Cut the cucumbers into chunks so your blender can handle them easily.

Add the cucumber pieces to a blender along with 2 cups of water and the lemon (or lime) juice.

Blend on high for about 1–2 minutes, until everything looks smooth and nicely combined. It should look like a pale green, slightly frothy mixture.

At this point you can strain it into a pitcher if you want a smoother drink, or skip straining if you like a more rustic texture. I personally sometimes skip it when I’m just making it for myself.

Add the sugar and stir well until it fully dissolves. Take a quick taste here, this is where you can adjust sweetness to your liking.

Pour in the remaining 2 cups of water, mix again, and taste one more time.

If you want it sweeter or lighter, this is your moment to adjust it.

Let it chill in the fridge for about 2 hours, or serve it right away over ice if you can’t wait (I rarely can).

Serve in glasses filled with ice and finish with a few mint leaves and cucumber slices if you want that extra fresh touch.

Simple Tips

• Don’t discard the cucumber seeds, they naturally add fiber and nutrients, and they’re completely fine to blend in.
• Use room-temperature water if you can, it helps the sugar dissolve more easily.
• Try not to add ice directly to the pitcher unless you plan to drink it right away, it will melt and dilute the flavor. It’s better to add ice to each glass instead.

Recipe Variations

This cucumber agua fresca is already delicious on its own, but you can easily change it depending on what you like or what you have at home.

• I sometimes add chia seeds when I want a slightly more filling drink with a bit of texture.
• I like using mint, but basil also works really well and gives it a more herbal twist.
• For a fruitier version, I blend in pineapple, watermelon, mango, or kiwi.
• If I want it extra tangy, I just add more lime and cut back on the sugar.
• When I’m keeping it light, I skip the sugar or use stevia or monk fruit instead.

Foods To Pair With It

This agua de pepino goes really well with tacos, guacamole, and other simple Mexican dishes. It’s especially good with spicy or rich food like cochinita pibil.

Or honestly, I just drink it on its own when I want something cold and refreshing.

Storing Leftovers

Keep it in the fridge in a sealed container or pitcher for up to 3 days. Stir before serving, since it can naturally separate.

You can also freeze it in ice cube trays if you want to keep it longer.

Things People Ask

Can I make agua de pepino ahead of time?

Yes. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 2–3 days. Just stir it before serving because natural separation can happen.

Why is my cucumber agua fresca bitter or watery?

Bitterness usually comes from older cucumbers or too much lime peel getting blended in. A watery flavor usually happens if too much water is added or if ice is left in the pitcher too long.

Are agua de pepino and cucumber agua fresca the same thing?

Yes, they are the same drink. “Agua de pepino” is the Spanish name used in Mexico, while “cucumber agua fresca” is the English way of describing the same refreshing cucumber-based drink.

What are aguas frescas?

Aguas frescas are traditional Mexican drinks made by blending water with fruits, seeds, grains, or herbs, then lightly sweetening them. They are served cold and are very common in homes, markets, and restaurants across Mexico, especially on hot days.

More Agua Fresca Recipes

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