Cucumber agua fresca Loteria

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups sugar
• 2 1/2 cups plus 8 cups water
• 2 1/2 pounds cucumbers, peeled, coarsely chopped (about 7 cups) plus 8 cucumber slices for garnish
• 1 cup fresh lime juice plus 8 lime slices for garnish
• 1 serrano chile, seeded, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 6 fresh mint sprigs for garnish
• Ice cubes

Preparation

• Stir sugar and 2 1/2 cups water in large saucepan over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat and bring to boil. Pour simple syrup into bowl and chill. DO AHEAD Can be made 1 week ahead. Keep refrigerated.
• Working in batches, puree 2 1/2 pounds cucumbers, lime juice, chile, salt, and 2 cups simple syrup in blender until smooth. Strain puree into large pitcher or bowl. Mix in 8 cups water. Cover and chill.
• Add cucumber slices, lime slices, and mint sprigs to pitcher of chilled agua fresca. Place ice cubes