In a high-speed blender, combine chopped large English cucumber, fresh pineapple chunks, freshly squeezed lime juice, peeled ginger, and fresh mint leaves. Add approximately 2 cups of water to achieve the desired consistency. Blend everything on high for about 30-45 seconds until smooth and vibrant.

Taste the blended mixture and decide if you’d like to enhance the sweetness. If desired, add pure maple syrup in small increments, blending briefly between additions.

To create a smooth agua fresca, set a fine mesh strainer over a clean bowl. Pour the blended mixture into the strainer, allowing the juice to flow through while catching any pulp. Let it sit for about 5 minutes.

Fill a large pitcher with ice and pour the strained agua fresca over the ice. Stir gently to mix.

Pour the chilled agua fresca into glasses over ice. For an adult twist, add 1 oz. of gin or vodka per serving if desired. Garnish each glass with fresh mint leaves.