This Cucumber Mint Lemonade is like a tall glass of sunshine—cool, revitalizing, and just a little bit fancy. It’s my go-to when I want something refreshing but still crave a touch of elegance (and trust me, it always impresses guests!). Whether you’re lounging on the patio or just trying to cool down after school pickup chaos, this sipper brings life to any moment. Let’s toast to easy recipes that feel like a treat, shall we?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something instantly soothing about the combo of cucumber and mint—it’s basically spa water’s cooler, sassier cousin. This lemonade is perfect for backyard entertaining, brunch spreads, or just a mellow afternoon reset. Here’s why this will be your new warm-weather staple:
- Spa vibes in a glass: Cucumber + mint = instant chill mode.
- Kid-friendly but cocktail-ready: Add vodka or gin for adult sips.
- Make-ahead friendly: Perfect for prepping the day before a gathering.
- No fancy tools: Basic blender + strainer, and you’re good to go.
Ingredients Breakdown
Essentials
- 1 large cucumber, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves (plus more for garnish)
- 3/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4-5 lemons)
- 1/2 cup honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
- 4 cups cold water
- Ice cubes, for serving
- Lemon slices and cucumber rounds, for garnish (optional but pretty!)
Pro Tips
- Use English cucumbers for extra smoothness and fewer seeds.
- If you’re using sugar instead of honey, dissolve it in a little hot water first for a smoother mix.
- Fresh lemon juice makes a difference, but bottled can pinch-hit in a hurry.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Blend the base: In a blender, combine chopped cucumber, mint leaves, lemon juice, honey (or sugar), and 1 cup of water. Blend until smooth and vibrant green.
- Strain: Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a large pitcher. Press down with a spoon to extract all the goodness. Discard the pulp (or compost it!).
- Add water: Stir in the remaining 3 cups of cold water to the pitcher. Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness as needed.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors mingle. The longer it sits, the more minty magic happens.
- Serve: Fill glasses with ice, pour over the cucumber lemonade, and garnish with lemon slices, mint sprigs, or cucumber rounds.
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- Want extra chilled lemonade without watering it down? Freeze a portion of the lemonade mixture into ice cubes ahead of time!
- Double-strain the mixture if you’re sensitive to pulp—the smoother, the better!
- Make it fizzy by swapping out half the water with sparkling water just before serving.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Make it a cocktail: Add vodka or gin for a refreshing grown-up twist.
- Berry boost: Toss in fresh strawberries or raspberries before blending.
- Herbal flair: Try adding a few basil leaves alongside the mint for a fun flavor twist.
- Party pitcher: Multiply the recipe and serve in a big drink dispenser with floating garnishes.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better after chilling for a few hours. Just give it a good stir before serving.
Is there a sugar-free version?
You can use a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste—it goes a long way!
How long does it last in the fridge?
Up to 3 days. After that, the mint can fade and the cucumber flavor might mellow out.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
You can, but fresh is always best for brightness and flavor. But hey, life’s busy—do what works for you!
Recipe Card
Yield: 4-6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 large cucumber, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- 3/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup honey or sugar
- 4 cups cold water
- Ice, for serving
- Optional: lemon slices, cucumber rounds, extra mint for garnish
Instructions:
- Blend cucumber, mint, lemon juice, sweetener, and 1 cup of water until smooth.
- Strain into a pitcher and discard pulp.
- Stir in remaining water and chill for 30 minutes or more.
- Serve over ice with your fave garnishes and enjoy!
If you give this Cucumber Mint Lemonade a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Snap a pic and tag me @thekitchensaid—let’s toast to fresh, easy, and totally sippable moments together!
