Cucumber Lime Mint Agua Fresca

Showstopper pitcher drinks for your Labor Day party

BE PICTURED IN; CHARACTERIZED IN:

Okay, I know this probably sounds a little weird, but trust me. It’s good. Really good. eyes pop, Impressive, surprisingly good. Especially on a sweltering hot summer day.

This special Agua Fresca is made with cucumber, fresh lime and mint. My good friend and local caterer Arturo Vargas made this for us the other day, inspired by agua frescas he enjoyed while trying to keep cool in the steamy Yucatan Peninsula.

It is the pickle juice base that appears to have the effect of lowering body temperature. (Gives new meaning to the phrase “cool as a cucumber.”) Certainly, this is one drink I wouldn’t have made if I hadn’t made it for my boyfriend, who knew I’d enjoy it. And now I want to drink it all summer long and think you will too once you try it.

BTW, Arturo told me you can take the puree solids and use it as a face mask!

preparation time
15 minutes

total time
15 minutes

portions
4 servings

yield
1 quarter

1 lb cucumbers (about 2 large cucumbers), ends trimmed but skin still on, roughly chopped
1/2 Cup lime juice fresh limes (from about 1 pound limes or 5 to 10 limes depending on how juicy they are)
1 1/4 cups packed up (Spearmint) Mint Leaves (about a large handful), woody stems removed
1/2 Cup sugar
About 1 1/4 cups water

Mix ingredients:

Place the ingredients in the blender and add enough water to fill 3/4 of the blender. Keep the lid on the blender and puree until smooth.
Strain solids:

Place a fine-mesh strainer over a bowl and pour the puree through, using a rubber spatula or the back of a spoon to press against the strainer to draw out as much of the liquid as possible.
Add ice:

Fill a large pitcher halfway with ice cubes. Add the juice. Serve with mint sprigs and lime wedges.