Save to Pinterest I started making this agua fresca on a whim after a farmers market trip left me with more mint than I knew what to do with. The first sip stopped me in my tracks—it was like someone bottled summer and added ice. Now it's my default drink whenever the heat creeps in, and I've stopped buying those sugary bottled drinks entirely.
Last summer I brought a pitcher of this to a backyard cookout, and three people asked me to text them the recipe before I even sat down. One friend swore it cured her headache. I think she was just dehydrated, but I didn't argue—I just poured her another glass.
Ingredients
- Fresh mint leaves: Use the tender top leaves for the brightest flavor, and don't worry about measuring too precisely—a loose cup is plenty.
- Limes: Roll them on the counter before juicing to get every drop out, and choose ones that feel heavy for their size.
- Granulated sugar: White sugar dissolves fast in the blender, but agave syrup works beautifully if you want a smoother sweetness.
- Cold water: Use the coldest tap water you have, or chill it beforehand so the drink stays icy longer.
- Ice cubes: These keep everything refreshing and help dilute the intensity just enough.
Instructions
- Blend the base:
- Toss the mint, lime juice, sugar, and 2 cups of water into the blender and let it rip until the mint looks like confetti. You'll smell the lime and mint before you even pour it out.
- Strain it smooth:
- Pour everything through a fine-mesh sieve into your pitcher, pressing gently with a spoon to get all the flavor without the leafy bits. This step makes all the difference between rustic and restaurant-smooth.
- Finish and chill:
- Stir in the remaining 2 cups of cold water and the ice cubes. Taste it now—if you want it sweeter or tangier, adjust before serving.
- Serve it up:
- Pour into glasses over more ice if you like, and drop in a lime slice or sprig of mint. It looks fancy without any effort.
Save to Pinterest There's a moment when I pour this for guests and watch their faces shift from polite interest to genuine surprise. That's when I know it's working—it's not just a drink, it's a little reset button for the afternoon.
Make It Sparkle
After straining, swap half the remaining water for sparkling water and add it last so the bubbles don't go flat. It turns the whole thing into something celebratory without adding a single extra ingredient.
Adjust to Your Taste
I've learned that everyone's sweet tooth is different, so I keep a small bowl of extra sugar and lime wedges nearby. Let people tweak their own glass—it takes the pressure off you and makes them feel like they're part of the process.
Storage and Serving Tips
This keeps in the fridge for about two days, though the mint flavor fades a bit after the first day. If you're making it ahead, leave out the ice until right before serving so it doesn't get watered down.
- Chill your glasses in the freezer for ten minutes before pouring for an extra-cold experience.
- Add a splash of white rum or tequila if you're turning it into a cocktail for adults.
- Double the batch and freeze half in ice cube trays to drop into plain water later.
Save to Pinterest This drink doesn't need a special occasion—it is the occasion. Pour yourself a glass, sit down for five minutes, and let the mint and lime do the rest.
Answers to Recipe Questions
- → What is the best way to prepare fresh mint for this drink?
Use loosely packed fresh mint leaves and blend them thoroughly with lime juice and sweetener to release their natural oils and flavor before straining.
- → Can sparkling water be used instead of regular water?
Yes, replacing half the water with sparkling water after straining adds a refreshing fizz while keeping the drink light.
- → How can I adjust the sweetness to my liking?
Adjust the amount of granulated sugar or agave syrup before blending, tasting as you go to find the perfect balance.
- → Is it possible to add alcohol to this drink?
A splash of rum can be added after blending and straining for a spirited twist that complements the mint and lime flavors.
- → What tools are essential for preparing this beverage?
A blender for mixing, a fine-mesh sieve for straining, and a pitcher for serving are the primary tools needed.