Description
Refreshing blend of sweet pineapple and cool cucumber, perfect for hot days.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, and roughly chopped
- 1 large cucumber, peeled and roughly chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- 4 cups cold water, plus more to adjust consistency
- 2 tablespoons honey or agave nectar (or to taste)
- Pinch of sea salt
- Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish (optional)
- Lime wedges, for garnish (optional)
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Combine the pineapple and cucumber: In a high-powered blender, add the chopped pineapple and cucumber. Make sure the pieces are roughly the same size to ensure even blending.
- Add the liquid and sweetener: Pour in the 4 cups of cold water and add the lime juice and honey (or agave nectar). The lime juice adds a nice tang that balances the sweetness of the pineapple, and the honey enhances the overall flavor. If you prefer a less sweet drink, start with 1 tablespoon of honey and adjust to your liking after blending.
- Blend until smooth: Secure the lid on the blender and blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes, depending on the power of your blender. You want to ensure there are no chunks of pineapple or cucumber remaining.
- Strain the mixture (optional but recommended): For a smoother agua fresca, strain the blended mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth-lined colander into a large pitcher. This step removes any pulp or seeds, resulting in a more refined texture. If you prefer a slightly thicker agua fresca with more fiber, you can skip this step.
- Season with salt: Add a pinch of sea salt to the agua fresca. Salt might seem like an odd addition to a sweet drink, but it actually enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Taste and adjust: Taste the agua fresca and adjust the sweetness and tartness to your liking. If it’s too tart, add more honey or agave nectar. If it’s too sweet, add a squeeze of lime juice. If it’s too thick, add more cold water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Chill thoroughly: Cover the pitcher and refrigerate the agua fresca for at least 30 minutes, or preferably longer, to allow the flavors to meld and the drink to chill completely. This is crucial for a refreshing and enjoyable experience. You can even chill it for a few hours or overnight.
- Prepare your glasses: Fill glasses with ice cubes. The amount of ice you use will depend on your preference, but I usually fill the glass about halfway.
- Pour and garnish: Pour the chilled pineapple cucumber agua fresca over the ice. Garnish with fresh mint sprigs and lime wedges, if desired. The mint adds a refreshing aroma and visual appeal, while the lime wedges allow your guests to add an extra squeeze of lime juice if they prefer.
- Serve immediately: Serve the agua fresca immediately and enjoy! It’s best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. After that, the flavors may start to fade.
Notes
- Use ripe fruit for the best flavor.
- Adjust sweetness to your preference.
- Experiment with other fruits like watermelon or berries.
- Add a jalapeño for a spicy kick.
- Top with club soda for a sparkling version.
- Freeze into popsicles for a summer treat.
- Infuse water with pineapple and cucumber for a more intense flavor.
- Make ahead and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Add coconut or almond milk for a creamier version.
- English cucumbers are ideal due to their thin skin and fewer seeds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes