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When the weather heats up, nothing cools you down like a tall glass of cucumber mint lemonade. This homemade lemonade recipe blends crisp cucumber, zesty lemon juice, and fresh mint for a light and hydrating drink that’s as pretty as it is tasty. Perfect for a hot summer day, it’s sweetened just right and topped with sparkling water for that effervescent finish. Whether you’re serving it at a backyard BBQ or sipping on your porch, this is the most refreshing drink to keep on repeat all season long.
This refreshing summer drink combines the best of fresh lemonade with herbs, perfect as a mint lemon cooler or a non-alcoholic summer beverage. It doubles as a detox cucumber drink or a spa water recipe, great for clean eating and hydrating hot days.
The Chemistry of Cucumber Mint Lemonade
Cucumbers have a high water content, making them a natural hydrator and a base for light drinks. But their skins can carry bitterness, especially if over blended, which is why straining is essential. Mint oils are volatile and can turn butter if muddled too hard or blended too long, so a gentle blend followed by straining helps release that refreshing mint flavor without bitterness. The acidity of fresh lemon juice brightens the entire drink, while sugar balances the tartness- creating the perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and herbal.
Recipe Troubleshooting
Blending mint too aggressively can release bitter oils, giving the lemonade a harsh edge. Similarly, if you leave the cucumber peel on and bled it fully, it may taste grassy.
The mint is too overpowering– often results from blending the mint too long.
It tastes bitter– might be from using too much lemon pith or overworked herbs.
It tastes to green– is usually from leaving cucumber peel in the mix without straining.
Many find it hard to strike the right balance between tartness and sweetness– make sure to taste before serving and adjust to your preferences.
It wasn’t sweet enough– that can be fixed with more sugar or switching to simple syrup.
The drink separates too quickly when pulp is left in. Straining through a fine mesh strainer is key to a clean finish.
Storing it too long leads to browning from the mint, so it’s best served fresh.
How long can I store it? About 2 days in the fridge in a large pitcher or airtight container.
Should I peel the cucumber before blending? It helps reduce bitterness, but it’s optional if you’re straining well.
Can I use frozen mint or bottled lemon juice? For best flavor, fresh mint leaves and fresh lemon juice are ideal.
What sweeteners work? Granulated sugar, agave syrup, or maple syrup all work depending on your preference.
Can I make this a cocktail? Absolutely! Add a shot of vodka or gin for a grown-up version.
Should I strain after blending? Yes, always use a fine mesh strainer to remove pulp and keep the texture smooth.
Is it good with lime? A splash of lime juice gives a tropical twist!
Serving Suggestions
This fits perfectly with summer mocktails, low sugar lemonade, and backyard BBQ drinks. It’s a hit for kid-friendly summer drinks, natural electrolyte drinks, and is ideal for fresh garden herb drinks or any clean eating beverages.
Serve in mason jars or tall glasses with lemon slices, cucumber ribbons, and fresh mint sprigs. Use sugar-rimmed glasses with a hint of lemon zest for a festive touch. It pairs beautifully with light salads, grilled shrimp, spa lunches, light finger foods, corn salad, or veggie wraps. Freeze mint and cucumber slices in ice cubes for an elegant twist that adds flavor as it melts.
Storage Tips
Store in a glass pitcher in the fridge for up to 2 days. After that, the mint and lemon may lose freshness. Avoid adding the sparkling water until ready to serve to preserve the bubbles.
Freezer– You can freeze the base (pre-sparkling water) in ice cube trays or popsicle molds. Just blend again before serving or let it thaw and top with sparkling water for a quick refresher.
Making Ahead– Make the lemon-cucumber-mint blend a day in advance. Keep it in an airtight container an add sparkling water just before serving. Add fresh garnishes at the last minute for best visual and flavor impact.
Recommended Products
Easy Summer Cucumber Mint Lemonade
This cucumber mint lemonade is the ultimate answer to hot, lazy afternoons and garden parties alike. It’s bright, refreshing, and bursting with herbal citrus flavor. Whether you’re making a clean eating beverage or impressing guests with a natural mocktail, this recipe delivers every time. So next time you need a drink that’s both cooling and gorgeous, whip it up- and don’t forget the mint springs and lemon wheels!
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Cool off with Cucumber Mint Lemonade
Ingredients
- 1 English cucumber
- 1 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 cup mint leaves
- 1 cup water
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 cups sparkling water.
Instructions
- In a blender combine 1 chopped up English cucumber, 1 cup lemon juice, 1/2 cup mint leaves and 1 cup of water. Blend.
- Strain the blended mixture, keeping the liquid in a medium-sized mixing bowl or pitcher and discarding the solids.
- Add 3/4 cup granulated sugar and mix until dissolved into the mixture.
- Pour them into 3 cups of sparkling water. Separate into 4 glasses and enjoy.
Nutrition
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Jayden
This is so refreshing for summer! Its not too sweet, but not too zesty, Its just right!
Madison Reid
mmm, I agree! And the fizz is a nice touch 🙂