Agua fresca

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Inspired by a popular drink in Mexico, this is without doubt the most delicious way to keep cool on warm days.

Ingreadient :

    • 150g caster sugar
    • 1 large cucumber (about 600g)
    • ½ x 25g pack mint, leaves picked, plus extra sprigs to serve
    • 100ml fresh lime juice (5-6 limes)
    • crushed ice, to serve
    • 100ml tequila (optional)

Direction :

    1. Put the sugar and 150ml water in a small pan. Bring to the boil over a medium heat. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool to room temperature.
    2. Peel the cucumber, slice in half lengthways and use a teaspoon to scoop out and discard the seeds. Cut into roughly 2.5cm chunks and put in a blender or food processor with the mint leaves; whizz until smooth. Strain through a sieve, using the back of a ladle to press down on the pulp and extract as much juice as possible.
    3. Pour the strained cucumber juice, sugar syrup and lime juice into a large jug and stir well; add plenty of crushed ice and the mint sprigs. If serving with tequila, add a 25ml measure to each glass with ice and top up with the agua fresca.