Refreshing Pineapple Cucumber Agua Fresca: The Ultimate Summer Drink

When the weather gets warm, there's nothing better than a cold, refreshing drink to quench your thirst. This Pineapple Cucumber Agua Fresca is a beautiful, light, and delicious alternative to sugary sodas. It combines the sweet, tropical flavor of pineapple with the cool, crisp taste of cucumber, creating a drink that is both incredibly hydrating and wonderfully refreshing.1

The beauty of an agua fresca ("fresh water" in Spanish) is its simplicity. It’s made with just a few natural ingredients and is easily customizable.2 It's the perfect drink for a backyard barbecue, a lazy afternoon on the porch, or a light and healthy treat.

Refreshing Pineapple Cucumber Agua Fresca

The Ultimate Summer Drink

Yields: 6-8 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 4 cups cubed fresh pineapple

  • 1 large cucumber, peeled and roughly chopped

  • 4 cups cold water

  • ¼ cup granulated sugar or other sweetener, to taste

  • 1 lime, juiced

  • For Garnish:

    • Thin cucumber slices

    • Fresh mint leaves

Instructions

1. Blend the Fruits

  1. Place Ingredients: In a blender, add the cubed pineapple, chopped cucumber, and 2 cups of the cold water.

  2. Blend: Blend on high speed for 1-2 minutes, or until the mixture is completely smooth.

2. Strain and Sweeten

  1. Strain: Place a fine-mesh sieve over a large pitcher. Pour the blended mixture through the sieve to strain out any pulp. Use the back of a spoon to press down on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible.

  2. Add Sweetener: Stir the remaining 2 cups of cold water, the lime juice, and the sugar into the pitcher. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.

3. Chill and Serve

  1. Chill: For the best flavor, chill the agua fresca in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

  2. Serve: Serve the agua fresca over ice, garnished with thin slices of cucumber and a few fresh mint leaves.3

Pro-Tips for a Perfect Drink

  • The Right Pineapple: Choose a ripe pineapple for the sweetest flavor. You can tell a pineapple is ripe if it smells sweet at the base and the leaves are easy to pull out.

  • Adjust Sweetness: The amount of sugar is a personal preference. Start with a small amount and add more to taste. You can also use honey, agave, or a sugar substitute.4

  • Make It Spicy: For a fun, zesty kick, you can add a few slices of jalapeño or serrano pepper to the blender.

  • Make Ahead: You can make the pineapple and cucumber base and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you're ready to serve, simply add the water, lime juice, and sweetener.

  • Garnish is Key: Don't skip the garnishes! The cucumber slices and mint leaves not only look beautiful but also add a refreshing aroma and flavor to the drink.