How to Make the Best Agua de Limón y Pepino with Chia

Agua de limón y pepino takes two of the most classic agua fresca recipes and combines them into one delicious drink! Chia seeds are optional, but add an extra boost of nutrients in this naturally hydrating and detoxifying drink.

WHAT IS AGUA FRESCA?

Agua fresca literally translates to fresh, cold, or refreshing water, but literal translations do little to describe the true essence of these fruit-forward and fun drinks.

Aguas frescas are non-alcoholic beverages typically made by blending water and sugar with seasonal fruits and vegetables. Some are also made with dry ingredients such as rice, tamarind pods, and hibiscus, which are Mexican pantry staples. 

WHAT IS AGUA DE LIMÓN CON PEPINO?

This cucumber lime agua fresca recipe combines two very popular agua fresca flavors: cucumber and lime. Individually, each drink is great. Together, they’re perfection. Because who doesn’t love lime with their pepinos? I add a couple of spoons of chia seeds to mine for an extra boost of nutrients.

• Agua de limón con pepino is made with limes, cucumbers, water, and sugar.
• The additional chia seeds form a gel-like consistency, giving this drink a unique and interesting texture.
• With natural electrolytes from the lime juice and cucumbers, it’s the ultimate hydrating drink!

3 BENEFITS OF AGUA DE LIMÓN Y PEPINO

• Rich in antioxidants: Cucumbers and limes are full of antioxidants, which help combat free radicals and can reduce inflammation, promoting healthier skin and a stronger immune system.
• Digestive support: Lime juice helps stimulate digestive enzymes, aiding digestion, while cucumber has natural anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the digestive tract.
• Detoxifies the body: Lime and cucumber work together to flush out toxins, making agua de limón con pepino a natural detox drink that helps maintain a healthy liver and kidneys.

WHY I LOVE THIS RECIPE

• Natural hydration: I’m all about drinks with real ingredients in my drinks, not ones with “natural flavors.”
• You control the sugar: You can add as much or as little sugar as you’d like to all of your aguas frescas, including this one.
• Crowd-pleaser: People always appreciate homemade drinks, and this one is a hit in our family.

Once you’ve tried this recipe, be sure to check out the following recipes:  Agua de Limón, Agua de Pepino, Agua de Piña con Pepino, and Cucumber and Chayote Agua Fresca.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

• Limes: I prefer the smaller key limes, but regular limes will work in this recipe. 
• Cucumbers: I use regular cucumbers, but English cucumber will also work.
• Chia seeds (optional): Chia seeds are small, nutrient-rich seeds harvested from the Salvia hispanica plant, native to Mexico and Guatemala. I get mine in a large pack from Costco. 
• Sweetener: I like to use honey, agave, cane sugar, or simple syrup (boil equal parts water and sugar until sugar is dissolved) in this recipe. This is one agua fresca that I believe requires some sort of sweetener because the limes can be very tart.
• Water: Most of my aguas frescas require about 6 cups of water. The right ratio of water is key in agua fresca recipes. They shouldn’t be too watery because this will dilute the lime and cucumber flavors and they shouldn’t be thick like a nectar either.

RECOMMENDED BY LOLA FOR THIS RECIPE

SMALL, HANDHELD CITRUS PRESS

You can always squeeze your limes by hand, but a hand-held citrus press makes the process a lot easier. If you plan on making this agua fresca regularly, you might as well invest in a good citrus press. VIEW PRODUCT

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare cucumber

• Cut the tips off of each side of the cucumber and rub the ends of the cucumbers with the tips in a circular motion. We’ve always done this in my family and say that it takes away any bitterness in the cucumber.
• Add water and the chopped cucumber to the blender. I leave the skin on because I love the vibrant green color it creates in this agua fresca.

2. Juice limes

• Using a hand-held citrus press (or your hands), extract the juice from limes directly into the blender.
• If squeezing the limes by hand, be sure to use a mesh strainer to avoid adding seeds to the blender.

3. Blend and strain

• Process ingredients in blender on medium setting for 15 to 30 seconds and then strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove any pulp.

4. Add water and chia seeds

• Stir in remaining water and sprinkle in chia seeds, if desired.
• Allow the mixture to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This allows the seeds to absorb the liquid and plump up. Stir occasionally to avoid clumps. Taste and adjust sugar if necessary.

5. Serve and enjoy

• Serve over ice and enjoy nice and cold. 
• PRO TIP: For that extra wow factor, I like to garnish my agua de limón y pepino with cucumber ribbons and a lime slice dipped in chia seeds. You can create the cucumber ribbons with a vegetable peeler. I use the smaller, Persian cucumbers for this, but any cucumbers will work. Heart toothpick are available at my online shop, Lola’s Mercadito.

HOW TO STORE AGUA FRESCA

Store agua fresca in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days, ensuring it stays fresh and chilled. Ingredients tend to settle at the bottom, so remember to stir your agua fresca before serving.

HOW TO SERVE

Agua de limón con pepino is best served over plenty of ice! If you’re hosting a special occasion or just want to create a memorable Mexican fiesta menu, below are a few ideas from appetizers and main dishes, to sides and salsas. Of course, I’d wash it all down with my agua de limón con pepino.

• Appetizers: Nopales Asados, Cebollitas Asadas, Chiles Toreados, Jalapeño Deviled Eggs
• Main dishes: Easy Chorizo y Huevo (Mexican Chorizo and Eggs), Easy Breakfast Tostadas, Turkey Picadillo Tostadas, Tacos Dorados, Tacos de Papa, Tacos de Huevos a la Mexicana, Milanesa de Pollo, Mole Negro, Tacos de Barbacoa, Milanesa de Pollo
• Sides: Ensalada de Lentejas, Ensalada de Nopales, Arroz Rojo, Arroz a la Primavera,  Arroz Verde con Cilantro, Tijuana Caesar Salad
• Salsas: Yellow Cherry Tomato Salsa Recipe, Chile Japones Salsa, Tangy Tomatillo Salsa with Chile de Arbol and Vinegar, Guacamole Salsa (Guacasalsa)

LOOKING FOR MORE AGUA FRESCA RECIPES?

Here are a few of my favorite aguas frescas:

• Agua de Tuna Verde (Green Prickly Pear)
• Agua de Limón (Mexican Lime Agua Fresca)
• Agua de Piña (Pineapple Agua Fresca)
• Mexican Limonada (Refreshing Sparkling Limeade)
• Naranjada (Sparkling Orange Agua Fresca)
• Agua de Naranja (Orange Agua Fresca)
• Iskiate (Hydrating Chia Drink from Born to Run Book)
• Agua de Tamarindo (Mexican Tamarind Drink)
• Agua de Fresa (Strawberry Agua Fresa), Packed with Vitamin C!
• Kumquat and Carrot Agua Fresca

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