How to Make Agua de Pepino (Cucumber Agua Fresca)

Agua de pepino is a Mexican drink made by blending and straining fresh cucumbers, sugar, and water. It’s a classic among aguas frescas and very easy to make at home!

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 PEPINO?

This cucumber agua fresca recipe combines cucumbers, water, and sugar for a refreshing drink that you can make all year long. I especially like to serve this one in a vitrolerlo at family parties.

NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS: CUCUMBER AGUA FRESA

• Agua de pepino helps flush out toxins, is hydrating, refreshing, and packed with antioxidants.
• Cucumbers support digestion, reduce bloating, and promote glowing skin. So drink up!

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 con Pepino, Agua de Limón, Agua de Pepino, Agua de Piña con Pepino, and Cucumber and Chayote Agua Fresca.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

• Cucumbers: I use regular cucumbers, but English cucumber will also work.
• 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.
• 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 cucumber flavor and they shouldn’t be thick like a nectar either.

RECOMMENDED FOR THIS RECIPE

Vitamix Professional-Grade Blender

I have owned a Vitamix blender for nearly 25 years and it is well worth the investment, especially for making aguas frescas, smoothies, and jugo verde! VIEW PRODUCT

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare cucumbers

• 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, sugar, and the chopped cucumbers to the blender. I leave the skin on because I love the vibrant green color it creates in this agua fresca.

2. 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.

3. Add water, stir, and enjoy

• Stir in remaining water, taste, and adjust sugar if necessary.
• Serve over ice and enjoy nice and cold. 
• PRO TIP: For that extra wow factor, I like to garnish my agua de pepino with cucumber ribbons skewered onto a cute cocktail toothpick. You can create the cucumber ribbons with a vegetable peeler. I use the smaller, Persian cucumbers for this, but any cucumbers will work. Handmade toothpicks are available at my online shop, Lola’s Mercadito.

HOW TO SERVE

Agua de 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,
• Sides: Ensalada de Lentejas, Ensalada de Nopales, Arroz Rojo, Arroz a la Primavera,  Arroz Verde con Cilantro, Tijuana Caesar Salad, Ensalada de Pepino y Cebolla, Ensalada de Pepino y Tomate
• 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 Limón con Pepino
• 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
• Blood Orange Agua Fresca
• Hibiscus Agua Fresca with Lime
• Té de Limón (Lemongrass Tea)

This recipe was originally published on March 10, 2014 and updated on February 12, 2025 with step-by-step instructions and photos.

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