Description
A refreshing, 5-minute drink made with cucumber, mint, lemon, and ice. Perfect for busy weeknights, this hydrating beverage is light, budget-friendly, and kid-approved.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large English cucumbers (about 400g), sliced into thin rounds or half-moons
- 4 cups cold water
- 3 medium lemons (about 1 cup fresh juice)
- 1 large bunch fresh mint (about 1 cup packed leaves)
- 3–4 tablespoons honey or simple syrup
- 1 pinch salt
- Ice, as needed
- Optional: 1 cup sparkling water
- Optional: 1 cup sliced strawberries
Instructions
- Wash cucumbers thoroughly. If using regular cucumbers with thick skin, peel them. Slice into thin rounds or half-moons.
- Place mint leaves in the bottom of a large pitcher. Add honey (or simple syrup) and the pinch of salt.
- Gently muddle or bruise the mint leaves with a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon to release oils and help the honey dissolve. Do not shred the leaves.
- Add the sliced cucumbers to the pitcher and pour in the cold water. Stir gently to combine.
- Let the mixture sit for at least 10 minutes to infuse, or up to 2 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor.
- Cut lemons in half and squeeze the juice into the pitcher, straining out seeds if desired. Aim for about 1 cup of juice.
- Taste the mixture and adjust sweetness or tartness by adding more honey or water as needed.
- Add ice to glasses and pour the lemonade over the ice.
- Garnish with a slice of cucumber and a sprig of mint. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use cold ingredients to keep the drink chilled without dilution. Do not skip the pinch of salt as it enhances the citrus flavor. If the drink is too sweet, add more water or lemon juice. If too sour, add more honey. For a sparkling version, add 1 cup of sparkling water just before serving. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverages
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 25
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 10
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Fiber: 1
Keywords: iced cucumber mint lemonade, refreshing drink, healthy lemonade, cucumber water, mint lemonade, quick recipes, hydrating drinks, summer drinks, low calorie drinks, kid-friendly drinks