Cucumber, Mint and Pineapple Agua Fresca

By Pete Wells

Updated January 25, 2026

  • Julia Gartland for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Barrett Washburne.
Media 1 of 1
Total Time
10 minutes, plus chilling
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
5 minutes, plus chilling
Rating
4(235)
Comments
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This recipe is featured in a four-part series about creating healthier eating habits. Agua frescas are often strained, but they don’t have to be. The fiber-rich pulp from the cucumber and pineapple in this refreshing drink will slow down the absorption of its modest amount of sweetener. Be sure to give the agua fresca a stir before drinking.

Featured in: To Improve How He Ate, Our Critic Looked at What He Drank

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Ingredients

Yield:4 servings

  • ½ cup peeled and roughly chopped cucumber

  • ½ cup roughly chopped fresh pineapple

  • ⅓ cup lime juice (from 2 to 3 limes)

  • Leaves from 2 or 3 sprigs of fresh mint

  • 1 to 4 tablespoons sugar (or other sweetener), optional

  • Ice, for serving

Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)

13 grams carbs; 48 calories; 3 milligrams sodium; 10 grams sugar

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a blender, purée the cucumber, pineapple, lime juice and mint with 4 cups cold water. Taste; if it’s flat or you want more sweetness, add a tablespoon of sugar at a time until you are happy with the balance.

  2. Step 2

    Pour into a pitcher and refrigerate for 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours, though it’s best within the first few hours). Stir well and serve over ice.

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Ratings

4 out of 5
235 user ratings
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Comments

Johnny Pineapple Seed

Yes, just make sure its canned in water or pineapple juice and not a sweetened syrup

Vicki K

it says it optional so you can skip it

AF

The fresh pineapple we get is rarely any good. Would canned work? I know they'd be more sugary.

Mary

I found this taste like bland water at first. Maybe that is how it’s supposed to taste? The ones I have had before taste like the ingredients not just watery. I added more mint, cucumber and pineapple.

David

Store bought pineapple in cubes worked just fine for us. Also, 2 tablespoons of sugar seemed quite adequate, next time I'll try one or zero. I think adding sugar is what you are used to. This is a pretty forgiving recipe.

Julir

Skip the pineapple. It’s full of sugar. Use strawberries

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