Chilled Cucumber Mint Lemon Agua Fresca

How to Make It

1. 1

   Peel and roughly chop the cucumbers into chunks. No need to deseed — the seeds contain extra water and nutrients.

2. 2

   Add the cucumber chunks, fresh mint leaves, lemon juice, lemon zest, and 500 ml of the cold water into a blender. Blend on high speed for 45–60 seconds until completely smooth.

3. 3

   Place a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth over a large jug or bowl. Pour the blended mixture through the strainer, pressing the pulp gently with a spoon to extract maximum liquid. Discard the pulp or reserve for a face mask.

4. 4

   Add the remaining 500 ml of cold water to the strained liquid. Stir in the fine sea salt and honey or agave syrup if using. Mix well until fully dissolved.

5. 5

   Taste and adjust — add more lemon juice for tartness, a touch more honey for sweetness, or a small pinch more salt for a more pronounced electrolyte profile.

6. 6

   Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow flavours to meld, or serve immediately over ice if preferred.

7. 7

   Serve in tall glasses filled with ice cubes. Garnish each glass with a lemon slice on the rim and a fresh mint sprig. Stir gently before drinking as natural separation may occur.