Cucumber Limeade {Agua de Pepino}

No need to adjust your computer screens.  Today's recipe really is a Cucumber Limeade, also known as Agua de Pepino.

Now, I know that your all thinking that drinking a cucumber flavored beverage isn't something that appeals to you.  I felt the same way when I first heard of Agua de Pepino.  I remember thinking, "Cucumber water, really?  That's just wrong!"

But once I tasted it, I was completely won over by the refreshing combination of the two flavors, that just seem to complement each other so well.

Agua de Pepino is my go-to beverage when the temperatures and humidity are soaring.  I really hope you will give this recipe a try.   

Agua de Pepino

Ingredients:

• 1 large cucumber, peeled and cut in large chunks
• 3 limes or 6 key limes, cut in half
• 1-1/3 cups sugar
• Water
• Ice

Directions:
Place the cucumber in a blender cup.  Fill the blender cup with water.

Puree until smooth.

Strain the cucumber puree into a 4-quart pitcher. 

Rinse out the blender cup, if desired.  Place the lime halves in the blender cup.  I was only able to find small limes, so I used 6 of them.  But if you're lucky enough to find large limes, you'll only need three.

Fill the blender cup with water. 

Now, with this next step, you HAVE to follow directions, so read the instructions carefully.

You're only going to pulse the blender for 3 to 4 seconds.  (I've mentioned this trick before in my recipe for Easy Agua de Limon.)  If you puree it too long, you'll end up grinding up the white part of the zest, which will result in a very bitter agua fresca.  And we really don't want that to happen.

Strain the lime puree into the pitcher with the cucumber puree.  Add enough water to the pitcher to fill it.  Sweeten your Agua de Pepino with sugar.  Refrigerate until ready to use.

Before serving, wet the rim of your serving glasses with lime or lemon juice, then dip the rim in granulated sugar.  (This step is completely optional, but doesn't it look pretty?)

Serve with or without ice and garnish with a lime or cucumber slice.  Enjoy!!!