Cucumber-Basil Agua Fresca

From the kitchen of Carly

Cool, bright, and effortlessly refreshing. Blended cucumber and basil meet lime's sharpness in this Mexican-style agua fresca, sweetened just enough to let the herbs sing. Strain it smooth, chill it cold, and pour over ice for the perfect antidote to heat.

Prep
n/a
Cook
n/a
Total
n/a
Servings
4
Difficulty
medium

Ingredients

4 servings

  • 12 large English hothouse cucumbers
  • 11/2 cup fresh lime juice
  • 11/4 cup (packed) basil leaves
  • 11/4 cup sugar or agave syrup
  • 1plus more to taste

Instructions

  1. Slice a few thin slices of cucumber; reserve for garnish. Peel and coarsely chop remaining cucumber.

  2. Purée chopped cucumber, lime juice, basil, 1/4 cup sugar, and 2 cups water in a food processor until very smooth. Strain into a pitcher and add 2 cups water, adding more sugar or water if needed, then chill until ready to serve. Add reserved cucumber slices just before serving.