There are a few times each year when I crave cucumber lemon mint water. In January, after holiday indulgence, it feels like a clean reset. I reach for it again in the heat of summer when temperatures soar and a refreshing, low-effort drink is exactly what I want. While a mint julep or mojito might show up on the weekend, this bright infused water is my go-to during the week.
What I love most is how simple it is: no juice, no added sugar, and almost no calories, yet it delivers plenty of fresh flavor. Thin slices of cucumber and lemon with a few sprigs of mint transform plain water into something lively and thirst-quenching.
Ingredients You Need to Make Cucumber Lemon Mint Water
- Cucumber: Use a standard cucumber (peeled) or an unpeeled English or Persian cucumber.
- Lemon: Regular lemon or Meyer lemon for a sweeter note.
- Mint: Fresh peppermint or spearmint leaves.
Just thinly slice the cucumber and lemon, add them to a pitcher with loosely packed mint leaves, and pour in cold water. The cucumber slices are fun to nibble on as you drink—they become crisp and cold in the pitcher.
This infused water benefits from resting in the fridge for an hour or longer—the flavor deepens the longer it sits, up to a day. If you finish the pitcher early, you can top it up with fresh water once more; refrigerate for about an hour before serving. Plan to enjoy the batch within a day for the best flavor and freshness.
Whether you’re interested in the subtle health perks of cucumber, lemon, and mint, want a gentle detox-style drink, or simply need a refreshing alcohol-free beverage, this recipe is an excellent, versatile choice.
Recipe Options:
- Swap the lemon for another citrus like lime, blood orange, or grapefruit, or use a blend of citrus fruits.
- Experiment with different herbs—rosemary works well in place of or alongside mint.
- Add thin slices of celery with the cucumber for a mild, savory layer of flavor.
Cucumber Lemon Mint Water
Ingredients
- 8 cups cold water ideally filtered
- 1/2 large cucumber peeled and thinly sliced (no need to peel thin-skinned English or Persian cucumbers)
- 1/2 large lemon thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves loosely packed
Instructions
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Combine 8 cups cold water with the cucumber, lemon, and mint in a 64-ounce pitcher. Refrigerate for a minimum of one hour and up to one day—flavor develops as it chills.
Notes
- I use a glass pitcher with a stainless steel lid that filters solids and pours the flavored water easily; any pitcher with a strainer or spout works well.
- If you finish the pitcher early, refill it with water and chill for an hour for a second round. The flavor will be milder but still refreshing.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
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