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!

BEST Agua de Pepino (Cucumber Agua Fresca Recipe)

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 ricetamarind pods, and hibiscus, which are Mexican pantry staples. 

Aguas Frescas in Mexico

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.

BEST Agua de Pepino (Cucumber Agua Fresca Recipe)

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!
BEST Agua de Pepino (Cucumber Agua Fresca Recipe)

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.

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.
BEST Agua de Pepino (Cucumber Agua Fresca Recipe)

RECOMMENDED FOR THIS RECIPE

Vitamix Professional-Grade Blender

Jugo Verde

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.
BEST Agua de Pepino (Cucumber Agua Fresca Recipe)
BEST Agua de Pepino (Cucumber Agua Fresca Recipe)

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.
BEST Agua de Pepino (Cucumber Agua Fresca Recipe)
BEST Agua de Pepino (Cucumber Agua Fresca Recipe)

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.
BEST Agua de Pepino (Cucumber Agua Fresca Recipe)

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.

LOOKING FOR MORE AGUA FRESCA RECIPES?

Here are a few of my favorite aguas frescas:

BEST Agua de Pepino (Cucumber Agua Fresca Recipe)

AGUA DE PEPINO (CUCUMBER AGUA FRESCA RECIPE)

by Lola Dweck
Agua de pepino is a Mexican drink made by blending and straining fresh cucumbers, sugar, and water. It’s a classic among aguas frescas!
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 8 people
Calories 62 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cucumbers
  • ½ cup sugar (or to taste)
  • 8 cups water, divided

Instructions
 

  • 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. 
    Working in batches, add 6 cups of water, sugar, 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.
  • 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.
  • Add water, stir, and enjoy. Stir in remaining 2 cups of 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.

A Note from Lola

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.

ON SWEETENERS

You can add as much or as little sugar as you’d like to all of your aguas frescas, including this one. I also like to use honey, agave, or simple syrup (boil equal parts water and sugar until sugar is dissolved) in my agua fresca recipes. This is one agua fresca that I believe requires some sort of sweetener because the limes can be very tart.

Nutrition

Serving: 8ouncesCalories: 62kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 1gFat: 0.2gSaturated Fat: 0.01gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.004gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.003gSodium: 14mgPotassium: 153mgFiber: 1gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 81IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 23mgIron: 0.3mg
62
LOVE THIS RECIPE?Leave a comment below or tag me on social media @lolascoina

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

Lola’s Cocina is a small business that earns various revenue streams. This includes sponsored posts and affiliate commissions from linked products, which I use and love. This commission is an agreement between Lola’s Cocina and retailers, with no extra cost to readers. This income helps sustains the site.

Lola Wiarco Dweck

Lola is a Mexican-American recipe developer, writer, and cooking instructor who loves sharing her culture with the world. Growing up in California and spending summers in Mexico, Lola celebrates her family’s Mexican recipes and vibrant culture through Lola’s Cocina.

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12 Comments

    1. I know – it’s so refreshing. I’m always surprised at how few people have ever tasted it, so
      it’s nice introducing it to newbies. I’ll have to try it with tequila next time!

  1. 5 stars
    I love all green drinks, including this one. It’s so refreshing and is one of the easiest drinks to make because cucumbers are available all year.