There’s something delightfully uplifting about sipping on a glass of Cucumber Lemon Infused Water. It’s not just hydration—it’s like spa day in a glass! With every sip, you get a burst of citrusy zing and cool, crisp cucumber, making it the ultimate beverage for refreshing both body and spirit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Seriously Refreshing: Every glass of Cucumber Lemon Infused Water tastes like the first day of summer—crisp, vibrant, and cooling.
- Naturally Flavorful: You get incredible taste with zero artificial flavors—just fresh fruits, veggies, and a touch of sweetness.
- Hydration with Benefits: The addition of mineral-rich sea salt and real lemon helps replenish your electrolytes while you hydrate.
- Ridiculously Easy: With minimal prep and zero fancy tools, it’s the definition of low effort, high impact.
Ingredients You’ll Need
I genuinely love how this recipe transforms humble ingredients into something spa-worthy. Each one works its magic—the cucumber keeps it ultra-cool, the lemon packs a citrus punch, a whisper of maple or honey brings smooth sweetness, and sea salt sneaks in those good-for-you minerals.
- Pink Sea Salt (¼ teaspoon): Not just for flavor! A touch of mineral-rich salt gives your water a hydration (and taste) boost.
- Pure Maple Syrup or Honey (½ teaspoon, optional): Add this if you crave a hint of sweetness—it marries perfectly with the lemon and cucumber, but you can absolutely leave it out for a sugar-free sip.
- Fresh Lemon Juice (¼ cup): Juice from real, fresh lemons brightens the entire pitcher and lends a natural zing that bottled juice just can’t replicate.
- Lemon (1, thinly sliced): Rounds of lemon infuse every drop with subtle sourness and visual wow-factor.
- English Cucumber (½, sliced): These are wonderfully crisp, virtually seedless, and their mellow flavor is spa-level refreshing—slice them nice and thin!
- Filtered Water (4 cups): Starting with clean, cold water lets the fresh flavors really shine in your Cucumber Lemon Infused Water.
Variations
The beauty of Cucumber Lemon Infused Water is how easily you can make it your own. No two pitchers ever have to taste exactly the same—play with flavors, add-ins, or adjust sweetness to fit your mood, dietary preferences, or whatever’s in your fridge.
- Herbal Kick: Toss in a handful of fresh mint or basil leaves for a burst of garden-fresh flavor that’s oh-so-cooling.
- Berry Bright: A few sliced strawberries or blueberries add sweetness and a gorgeous blush to your water.
- Citrus Medley: Swap or combine lemon with lime, orange, or grapefruit slices for a tangier or slightly sweeter twist.
- Sparkling Upgrade: Replace some or all of the filtered water with sparkling water for a fizzy, festive vibe!
How to Make Cucumber Lemon Infused Water
Step 1: Layer Your Ingredients
In a clean 32-ounce pitcher or large jar, start by adding the pink sea salt. This helps it dissolve evenly before anything else goes in. Next, add the maple syrup or honey if you’re using it—this step is key for getting an even sweetness throughout your infused water.
Step 2: Add the Lemon and Cucumber
Pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice, then tumble in your thin lemon and cucumber slices. Scatter them in so they’ll mingle and release their flavors into the water. The colors alone will already make your pitcher look gorgeous!
Step 3: Fill and Stir
Now pour in your filtered water. Use a long spoon and stir gently but thoroughly, helping the salt, sweetener, and citrus meld into the water. A few extra stirs ensure everything is evenly distributed for maximum infusion.
Step 4: Chill and Infuse
Pop a lid or cover on your pitcher, then refrigerate for at least 40 minutes for subtle flavor, or up to 24 hours for a bolder infusion. The long chill lets every ingredient work its magic, but don’t forget to strain the fruit and veggies after a day to avoid bitterness.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
When you’re ready for a glass, pour your Cucumber Lemon Infused Water over plenty of ice. Garnish with extra lemon or cucumber slices for an impressive finishing touch. Sip and savor that spa-inspired refreshment!
Pro Tips for Making Cucumber Lemon Infused Water
- Flavor Timing: For the most balanced taste, infuse for 40 minutes to 1 hour, then strain after 24 hours to prevent the lemon rind from turning the water bitter.
- Slice Uniformly: Cut your cucumber and lemon into thin, even slices for faster, more consistent infusion—and a presentation that looks straight out of a villa retreat.
- Customize Sweetness: Taste before chilling and adjust the maple syrup or honey as needed; even a small extra drizzle transforms the drink’s entire character.
- Go for Fresh: Use the freshest produce you can find—limp cucumbers or old lemons just won’t give that vibrant, spa-quality Cucumber Lemon Infused Water flavor.
How to Serve Cucumber Lemon Infused Water
Garnishes
To really elevate your glass, save a few slices of lemon and cucumber to use as garnishes. Fresh mint or a sprig of rosemary can add a pop of green and an extra aromatic touch. The simple act of garnishing makes every sip feel extra special and oh-so-inviting.
Side Dishes
Cucumber Lemon Infused Water pairs beautifully with light nibbles—think crisp vegetable platters, a colorful fruit salad, or a summery grain bowl. It’s also amazing alongside brunch fare, picnic snacks, or anything you’d want on a sunny afternoon in the backyard.
Creative Ways to Present
This infused water looks stunning in a tall glass pitcher piled with extra fruit and fresh herbs. For parties, serve it in mason jars with eco-friendly straws or pour into sparkling wine glasses for a chic (and non-alcoholic!) toast. You can even freeze lemon and cucumber slices into ice cubes for a show-stopping effect.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cucumber Lemon Infused Water in the fridge, ideally in a covered pitcher or sealed jar. For the best, freshest flavor, strain out the fruit and cucumber after 24 hours; the resulting water stays deliciously crisp for up to five days.
Freezing
While you generally won’t freeze the entire batch, you can freeze leftover Cucumber Lemon Infused Water into ice cubes! Pop them into drinks later for a flavorful, cooling twist that won’t get watered down as they melt.
Reheating
This recipe is all about keeping things cool—no reheating needed. If your water has gotten room temperature, just add fresh ice cubes or pop it back in the fridge to bring out the best flavor and chill.
FAQs
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Can I make Cucumber Lemon Infused Water ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making it a few hours ahead allows the flavors to blend beautifully. Just be sure to strain out the lemon and cucumber slices after 24 hours to avoid any bitter notes, and store the water in the fridge for up to five days.
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Can I add other fruits or herbs?
Yes! This recipe is endlessly customizable. Try adding berries, orange slices, mint, basil, or even a touch of ginger for different flavor profiles. Have fun experimenting and discover your personal favorite blend.
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How long can I keep Cucumber Lemon Infused Water in the fridge?
Once you’ve strained out the lemon and cucumber (after 24 hours), the water can be stored for up to five days in a sealed container in your fridge. It stays crisp and delicious—perfect for pouring a fresh glass anytime!
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Is this drink suitable for kids?
Definitely! Cucumber Lemon Infused Water is all-natural and can even help encourage kids to drink more water. If they like a touch more sweetness, you can add a bit of extra maple syrup or honey to taste.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a vibrant, thirst-quenching break from plain water, give Cucumber Lemon Infused Water a try. It’s refreshing, so easy to make, and guaranteed to become your new favorite way to stay hydrated—whether you’re relaxing at home, hosting friends, or simply treating yourself to something special.
PrintHydrating Cucumber Lemon Water Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Stay refreshed with this hydrating cucumber lemon water recipe. A simple and healthy way to enjoy a burst of flavors while keeping hydrated.
Ingredients
Fine Pink Sea Salt:
1/4 teaspoon
Maple Syrup or Honey (optional):
1/2 teaspoon
Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice:
1/4 cup (2 ounces)
Lemon:
1 (100 grams), washed and thinly sliced
English Cucumber:
1/2 (100 grams), cut into 1/4 inch slices
Filtered Water:
4 cups (32 ounces)
Instructions
- Add Ingredients: Add all ingredients to a 32-ounce pitcher or jar in the order listed above (starting with sea salt). Stir with a long spoon several times to help dissolve the salt.
- Refrigerate: Put a lid on the jar or cover the pitcher and set it in the refrigerator for at least 40 minutes, up to 24 hours.
- Serve: When ready to drink, pour infused water over ice and garnish the glass with additional lemon and cucumber slices.
Notes
- I find that leaving the additional ingredients in the water can start giving off a bitter flavor after 24 hours.
- Instead, strain the fruit/vegetables out of the water after one day, then keep the infused water in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving