Cucumber Lemon Mint Infused Water

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🥒 Cucumber Lemon Mint Infused Water

This revitalizing tonic combines the cooling properties of cucumber, the zesty brightness of lemon, and the digestive benefits of fresh mint. It’s perfect for hot summer days, post-workout recovery, or simply as a centerpiece for your dining table.

  • Prep time: 10 minutes

  • Infusion time: 1–4 hours

  • Servings: 4–6 (Approx. 2 Liters)

📋 Ingredients

  • 1 large cucumber (English or Persian preferred), thinly sliced

  • 2 large lemons, one sliced into rounds and one juiced (optional for extra tang)

  • 10–12 fresh mint leaves, lightly slapped to release oils

  • 2 liters (approx. 8 cups) of filtered cold water

  • Ice cubes (optional)

🔪 Instructions

  1. Prep the Produce: Thoroughly wash the cucumber, lemons, and mint. Since they are soaking in your water, you want them spotless.

  2. Release the Aroma: Place the mint leaves in your palm and give them a firm “clap” or “slap.” This bruises the leaves just enough to release the essential oils without making them look ragged.

  3. Assemble: Place the cucumber slices, lemon rounds, and mint leaves at the bottom of a large glass pitcher.

  4. Add Water: Pour the filtered water over the ingredients. Give it a gentle stir with a long spoon.

  5. Infuse: Let the pitcher sit in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. For a deeper flavor, let it steep for 4 hours.

  6. Serve: Pour over ice. You can refill the pitcher 2–3 times with fresh water before the flavor starts to fade.

💡 Pro Tips & Notes

  • Avoid Bitterness: If you plan on keeping the water for more than 4 hours, remove the lemon slices. The white pith (the skin) can make the water taste bitter over time.

  • Skin On: Keep the cucumber skin on for better visual appeal and extra nutrients, but ensure it’s organic or well-scrubbed to remove wax.

  • Temperature: Always start with cold or room temperature water. Boiling water will “cook” the mint and make it turn brown.

✨ Benefits

  • Hydration: Makes drinking the daily recommended water intake much more enjoyable.

  • Digestive Aid: Mint is known to soothe the stomach and improve bile flow.

  • Skin Health: Cucumbers contain silica and antioxidants that support a clear complexion.

  • Vitamin C: Lemons provide a boost to the immune system and help neutralize free radicals.

📊 Nutritional Info (Per 8oz Glass)

Since this is an infusion, values are estimates.

  • Calories: 5 kcal

  • Carbohydrates: 1g

  • Sugars: 0g

  • Vitamin C: 10% DV

  • Sodium: 2mg

❓ Common Q&A

Q: How long does infused water last? A: It’s best consumed within 24 hours. After that, the produce can start to decompose and the flavors become “off.”

Q: Can I eat the fruit/veg after? A: You can, though they will taste quite bland as most of the flavor and juice have moved into the water!

Q: Can I use dried mint? A: I wouldn’t recommend it. Dried mint won’t provide that crisp, “green” flavor and can leave a gritty texture in the water.

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