There are drinks out there that are absolutely transporting – that help you press the pause button and slow down. This Cucumber Basil Agua Fresca cocktail is one such drink. As the weather heats up, we like to toast the season with drinks that are refreshing and beg to be sipped – cocktails that are low in alcohol but high in flavor.
Our drink of choice right now is this slightly adult twist on a classic Mexican agua fresca. When we travel to Mexico for our group trips, we always do taco crawls and we chase the spiciest of salsas, accompanied by delicious fruit drinks known as aguas frescas.
Why You’ll Love This Agua Fresca
If you’re looking for a fresh, vibrant drink that hits just the right balance of herbal, sweet, and citrusy, this agua fresca is it. Our cucumber basil agua fresca is perfect for warm days, easy entertaining, or anytime you want something light and refreshing—with or without alcohol.
This agua fresca is hydrating, herbaceous, and just sweet enough. We made it as a low-alcohol (aka low-ABV) cocktail, so it’s easy to sip all afternoon long, but it’s just as delicious booze-free. Whether you’re lounging poolside, hosting a weekend brunch, or simply winding down, this drink fits the vibe.
We always order cucumber agua fresca when we see it on menus because it’s uber-refreshing, which inspired this Low-ABV cocktail. This lightly proofed take is a less-sweet, more-modern version of cucumber agua fresca.
Made by juicing crisp cucumbers with fresh basil leaves, some lime juice and a touch of honey, the result is a drink that’s instantly refreshing. And thanks to the addition of a touch of elderflower liqueur, a few dashes of ANGOSTURA® orange bitters and a splash of sparkling water, this is a low-alcohol cocktail that’s super sophisticated.
The best part of all is that you can place this all in a pitcher in advance and serve it when your guests arrive, meaning it’s sure to become a go-to summertime drink.
Agua Fresca Recipe Ingredients
There are two components to this agua fresca: the cucumber-basil base and the optional cocktail add-ins. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Cucumber Agua Fresca:
- Persian cucumbers – Unpeeled for a vibrant color and fresh taste.
- Fresh basil leaves – Adds bright, aromatic flavor.
- Cold water – Helps blend and lighten the mixture.
- Lime juice – Brings tang and balance.
- Honey – Just enough sweetness to round out the flavors.
- Pinch sea salt – Enhances all the ingredients and gives depth.
For the Agua Fresca Cocktail (optional):
- Elderflower liqueur – Floral and lightly sweet.
- ANGOSTURA orange bitters – Adds complexity and a citrusy edge.
- Orange flower water (optional) – For a subtle floral note.
- Chilled sparkling water & ice – To top things off and keep it bubbly and refreshing.
How to Make This Recipe
Start by blending all the ingredients for the cucumber agua fresca until smooth. Strain it twice to remove solids—you’ll be left with a beautifully green, fragrant base. If you’re making it as a cocktail, stir it together with the elderflower liqueur, bitters, and optional orange flower water, then top with ice and sparkling water when serving.
What to Serve With This
This agua fresca pairs perfectly with light, summery meals—think fish tacos, a fresh ceviche, or a citrusy quinoa salad. It’s also great as a non-alcoholic option for guests or a signature drink for your next garden party. The combo of cucumber and basil is ultra-refreshing and plays well with just about any warm-weather fare.
California-Inspired Recipes
Want to get a taste of the Golden State at home? Cook up these recipes inspired by the Golden State:
California Wine Country Travel Guide
If you’re inspired to explore more about this iconic region, our California Wine Country Travel Guide offers everything you need to plan your visit. Discover the best wineries, restaurants, and experiences that showcase the beauty and bounty of California wine country.
Have Us Plan Your California Trip
If you’re looking to plan a trip to California, let us lend our expertise. As California-focused travel planners, we can plan your time from beginning to end with our California trip planning services.
Get A Personalized Travel Itinerary
Cucumber Basil Agua Fresca Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
For The Cucumber Agua Fresca:
- 1 pound unpeeled Persian cucumbers ends trimmed, plus more for garnish
- 1 1/2 cups fresh basil leaves (no stems), plus more sprigs on the stem for garnish
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 6 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- Pinch coarse sea salt
For The Agua Fresca Cocktail:
- 1/3 cup elderflower liqueur
- 12 dashes ANGOSTURA orange bitters
- 1 bar spoon orange flower water (optional)
- 1 (750 ml) chilled sparkling water
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Make The Cucumber Agua Fresca: Combine the cucumber, basil, water, lime juice, honey and salt in the carafe of a blender. Place the top on the blender carafe, then blend until the mixture is smooth, at least 30 seconds.
- Strain the mixture twice through a fine mesh trainer, pushing on the mixture with a spatula to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the solids and set mixture aside.
- Make A Pitcher Of Cocktails: In a pitcher, mix the cucumber agua fresca, elderflower liqueur, the orange flower water (if using), the ANGOSTURA orange bitters and 2 cups of ice.
- For One Cocktail: To serve one drink, fill a Tom Collins glass with 3 to 4 ice cubes, add in ½ cup of the cucumber basil agua fresca cocktail mixture and top with ½ cup of sparkling water. Stir to combine, garnish with a sprig basil leaves and some thinly-sliced cucumber and serve.
