Agua Fresca

Summer calls for cooling, refreshing drinks. This is one of my favorites. Serve it with some spicy Mexican food.  It has that “cocktail” taste to it, like you’re sipping a mojito on the beach. It also has very few calories, so enjoy!

2 medium-sized cucumbers, peeled and seeded

3 tablespoons agave nectar

3 tablespoons fresh lime juice

¼ fresh Serrano pepper, seeded (Will only give a very slight spiciness to the drink)

¼ teaspoon sea salt

2 cups water

2 cups sparkling water

Ice

Lime slices

Mint leaves

Combine the first 5 ingredients in a blender or food processor. Add the 2 cups of still water and blend again. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight.

When you are ready to serve your drinks, strain the mixture through a sieve and discard the solids. (If you prefer a “muddled” drink, skip this step and just pulse mixture again in the blender.) Put ice cubes in glasses. Fill halfway and top with sparkling water. Add a bit of the torn mint leaves and squeeze a little lime into each drink. Place a lime slice on the rim.