Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Light, fresh, and incredibly hydrating
- Naturally cooling thanks to cucumber
- Perfect balance of tart and sweet
- Easy to make in just minutes
- Great for barbecues, parties, or everyday sipping
- Can be made still or sparkling
- Naturally vegan and gluten-free
- No artificial flavors or colors
- Customizable with herbs or fruit
- Looks stunning when served with garnish
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Fresh cucumber, peeled and chopped
- Fresh lemon juice
- Cold water or sparkling water
- Sugar, honey, or agave syrup (to taste)
- Ice
- Optional garnish: cucumber slices, lemon wheels, mint sprigs
Directions
- In a blender, combine chopped cucumber, lemon juice, water, and sweetener.
- Blend until smooth.
- Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher for a smoother texture (optional).
- Taste and adjust sweetness or lemon to your liking.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or serve immediately over ice.
- Garnish with cucumber slices, lemon wheels, or mint if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 4 servings and takes around 10–15 minutes to prepare.
Variations
- Sparkling Cucumber Lemonade: Use sparkling water for a fizzy finish.
- Mint Cucumber Lemonade: Add fresh mint to the blender for a cool herbal twist.
- Cucumber Limeade: Substitute lime juice for lemon for a tangier flavor.
- Ginger Cucumber Lemonade: Add a small piece of fresh ginger for a spicy kick.
- Berry Blend: Add strawberries or blueberries for fruity depth.
- No Sugar Added: Skip sweetener or use ripe fruit to naturally sweeten.
- Frozen Version: Blend with ice for a slushy cucumber lemonade.
- Tea-Infused: Mix with green or herbal tea for extra flavor.
- Cucumber Basil Lemonade: Blend with basil for a unique, earthy twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in a sealed pitcher. Stir before serving, as natural separation may occur.
- Reheating: Not applicable. This is a cold beverage and should always be served chilled.
FAQs
What does cucumber lemonade taste like?
It tastes refreshing and light with a balance of tart lemon and subtle, cooling cucumber.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can work in a pinch.
Should I peel the cucumber?
Peeling is optional. Leaving the skin on adds color and nutrients but may give a slightly stronger cucumber flavor.
Is it necessary to strain the drink?
No, but straining removes pulp for a smoother finish. It’s a personal preference.
Can I make this drink ahead of time?
Yes, it actually improves in flavor after chilling. Just give it a good stir before serving.
Is this drink healthy?
Yes, it’s low in calories, hydrating, and full of vitamin C and antioxidants—especially when using little or no sweetener.
Can I make it sugar-free?
Absolutely. Use a natural sugar substitute or simply skip the sweetener.
What type of cucumber is best?
English cucumbers are great because they’re seedless and have a mild flavor, but any cucumber will work.
Can kids drink this?
Yes, it’s a safe and fun drink for kids—especially with no added sugar.
Can I use this as a detox drink?
It can be part of a refreshing, hydrating routine, especially when made without added sugars or with added herbs like mint or ginger.
Conclusion
Cucumber Lemonade is a refreshing and elegant drink that brings together the coolness of cucumber and the zing of lemon for a naturally hydrating treat. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, it’s perfect for hot days, special events, or simply staying cool and refreshed. Once you try it, you’ll want to keep a pitcher in the fridge all summer long.
PrintCucumber Lemonade
Cucumber Lemonade is a cool and hydrating mocktail that blends the refreshing flavor of cucumber with the bright tang of fresh lemon juice. It’s the perfect drink for hot days, post-workout hydration, or any time you need a revitalizing boost.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10–15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Beverages
- Method: Blended
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 large cucumber, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons)
- 3 cups cold water or sparkling water
- 2–3 tablespoons sugar, honey, or agave syrup (to taste)
- Ice, for serving
- Optional garnish: cucumber slices, lemon wheels, mint sprigs
Instructions
- In a blender, combine the chopped cucumber, lemon juice, water, and sweetener.
- Blend until smooth.
- Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher for a smoother drink (optional).
- Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity as needed.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or serve immediately over ice.
- Garnish with cucumber slices, lemon wheels, or mint sprigs if desired.
Notes
- Use English cucumbers for a milder flavor and fewer seeds.
- Straining is optional—leave the pulp for a more fiber-rich drink.
- To make it ahead, blend and chill the lemonade, then stir before serving.
- For extra flavor, add herbs like mint, basil, or ginger during blending.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg