Agua de Pepino (Cucumber Agua Fresca) 2 Ways – Virgin + Spiked!

Say hello to the first ever beverage recipe to live on the site! And just in time for Cinco de Mayo 🥳

Summer is just around the corner and there’s no better way to cool yourself down on a hot day than an ice cold Agua de Pepino (a Cucumber Agua Fresca). Light and refreshing—this bev will definitely become a part of your usual summer repertoire.

Cucumbers are about 95% water and are naturally one of the most hydrating veggies everyone should include in their diets, especially when it’s hot out. I love snacking on cucumbers by themselves, dipped in either ranch or hummus, chopped into salads, added into sandwiches, in springs roll or sushi, sliced and tossed in fresh lemon juice and tajín. However, I also love to add cucumbers to drinks! Sometimes I’ll make nice and healthy veggie/fruit juice that doesn’t include any added sugar, but if I’m having guests or just want a refreshing treat, I’ll make this Agua de Pepino recipe!

The best part about this recipe is that it’s a 2-in-1 recipe – simply add in your favorite tequila or mezcal and you have yourself a refreshing margarita! Turning this agua fresca into a margarita technically only requires one additional ingredient (alcohol), but feel free to garnish the cocktail with anything you’d like (lemon/lime/cucumber wedges, cilantro or mint sprigs, jalapeño slices, etc.) or add a sugar, salt or chili rim to it as well!

My favorite rim to add is about 3 parts Tajín and 1 part smokey sea salt. I love the smokiness that this sea salt brings to the cocktail, especially when paired with a nice mezcal.

Agua de Pepino with lemon and salted rim on table

How to Make This Agua de Pepino (Cucumber Agua Fresca):

Add all the ingredients to a blender and blend on high until completely smooth, about 30 seconds.
Pour the blended mixture through a strainer into a large container. We will strain the juice one last time before pouring it into a pitcher so this large container doesn’t have to be the serving pitcher.
Use the back of a spoon to just lightly coax the juice the strainer, however we don’t want to push too much of the pulp through the strainer. We want a very light and thin agua fresca!
Once all of the juice has been strained, we’ll strain it one last time. Strain the juice into your serving pitcher this time, lightly coaxing it through again with the back of a spoon without pushing through too much.
Once completely strained, check for sweetness and enjoy over ice! Cucumber Margarita:
For the margarita, simply run the lime/lemon wedge along the rim of the glass, then dip the rim into a plate filled with the Tajín/smokey sea salt mixture until the rim is completely covered in the Tajín mixture.
Turn the glass right side up and fill with crushed ice. Pour in 3/4-1 c of the agua de pepino, then add 1-2 oz of your favorite tequila or mezcal.
Stir until combined, garnish and enjoy!

Picking up glass of Agua de Pepino from table

Agua de Pepino (Cucumber Agua Fresca) – Tips & Tricks

I prefer my margaritas on the rocks, but if you like yours blended simply add the agua de pepino, tequila/mezcal and ice to a blender and blend until it reaches a thick and icy consistency.
This recipe will yield about 2 servings as juice and about 4 servings as cocktails. Double, triple or quadruple the recipe as needed!
Use the back of a spoon to just lightly coax the juice the strainer, however we don’t want to push too much of the pulp through the strainer. We want a very light and thin agua fresca!
Mint or jalapeño would both be great additions to this recipe!
I use regular cucumbers for this agua fresca, although you can also use Persian or English cucumbers. The latter is usually a little more expensive and although the outer skin is edible, it will make this agua fresca a lot darker so I would advise not using it anyway. Regular cucumbers are usually best to use!
This agua fresca is best enjoyed immediately but can also be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply stir before serving and enjoy!

https://assets.pinterest.com/ext/embed.html?id=104427285100591157

Other Latin-inspired recipes to prep you for fun in the sun—

Salsa Verde

Chunky Spicy Guacamole

5-Ingredient Spicy Mango Serrano Salsa

Cactus Pico de Gallo (Pico de Gallo con Nopales)

Quick and Easy Tuna Ceviche

If you make this Agua de Pepino (Cucumber Agua Fresca), tag me on Instagram! Seeing you whip up my recipes makes me the happiest little bee!