cucumber mint water recipe is my answer to that afternoon slump when plain water feels boring and soda sounds way too sweet. I love how quick it is to make, and it feels like a tiny spa moment you can sip at your desk or on your couch. If you ever think I should drink more water but I want it to taste good, this is your fix. Fresh cucumber and mint turn a simple pitcher of water into something bright, crisp, and surprisingly satisfying. I keep a big jar in the fridge and refill it all day, and it honestly makes hydration feel easy. Let me show you how I make it and a few smart ways to change it up for your taste.
How to make cucumber mint water
Ingredients
- 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
- 8 to 10 fresh mint leaves, lightly bruised
- 6 to 8 cups cold filtered water
- Ice, optional
- Fresh lemon or lime slices, optional for brightness
Directions
- Wash the cucumber and mint well. I leave the peel on for extra flavor and color.
- Slice the cucumber into thin rounds so the flavor infuses faster.
- Gently bruise the mint by rubbing it between your fingers. This opens up the aroma without making it bitter.
- Add cucumber and mint to a large pitcher. Pour in the water.
- Chill for 30 minutes for a light flavor, or 2 to 4 hours for a stronger infusion. Add ice if you like it extra cold.
- Taste and adjust. Add more mint for a cooler vibe, or a few lemon slices if you want a citrus lift.
Quick tip: if you plan to sip all day, make a double batch in the morning. Keep the solids in one pitcher to steep, and pour off into another pitcher filled with fresh ice as you go. That way, your drink stays crisp and never watered down.
Another tip I swear by: use a lidded infuser bottle for the gym or your commute. It keeps the mint leaves from floating into your mouth and looks pretty in photos too. If you enjoy refreshing drinks in general, you might also love this simple boost during sluggish afternoons: detox juice for an energy lift.
I took a pitcher of this to my book club and everyone asked for the recipe. We refilled the cucumber and mint twice and it still tasted amazing. Now I keep it stocked all week. It genuinely makes me drink more water.
Recipe Variations
Flavor twists to keep it fun
Once you have the basic method down, you can riff based on what you have in the fridge. I change it up depending on my mood, the weather, and what fruit is on the counter that needs to be used. Here are some favorites that always hit the spot:
Lime and ginger. Add a few lime wheels and three thin slices of fresh ginger. It turns your pitcher zesty and gently warming at the same time.
Berry mint spritz. A handful of sliced strawberries or a few raspberries bring a soft sweetness. Top your glass with a splash of sparkling water for a fizzy twist.
Melon chill. Cantaloupe or honeydew cubes love mint. They infuse quickly and make your water smell like summer.
Lemon and basil. If you are out of mint, basil brings a sweet, herbaceous note that pairs beautifully with cucumber.
Kid friendly add-ins. Blueberries and a tiny drizzle of honey can help kids warm up to infused water. If you are trying to make healthy sips feel exciting for the younger crew, peek at these ideas too: kid friendly green smoothie tricks.
And yes, you can absolutely batch this for a party. Fill a big beverage dispenser, tuck in cucumber ribbons for a fancy look, and let guests pour their own. It is gorgeous, simple, and a total crowd pleaser.
What are the benefits of cucumber water?
Let’s keep this real and simple. Cucumbers are mostly water, so they add volume and freshness without sugar. Mint brings cooling aroma and a refreshing taste that makes water easier to drink. The true win here is you actually end up drinking more, which helps your body function better overall.
Here are the perks that make this a small daily habit worth keeping:
Hydration that tastes great. When your water tastes good, you drink more. Keeping a pitcher in the fridge is a low effort way to stay on track.
Light flavor with minimal calories. It is an easy swap for sugary drinks, and you can customize sweetness with fruit if you want.
Skin loves water. While no drink is a magic wand, consistent hydration supports healthy skin and energy. If glowing skin is your goal, you might also enjoy these ideas: glow friendly smoothie tips.
Fresh breath helper. Mint’s aroma is famously refreshing. After a garlicky lunch, cucumber mint can help your mouth feel clean and cool.
Gentle on the stomach. Unlike highly acidic drinks, this one tends to be easy to sip, even first thing in the morning.
Friendly reminder: infused water is not a cure all. It is simply a delicious nudge toward better hydration and better choices. Focus on balance, whole foods, and movement for the bigger picture.
Tools to make cucumber infused water
What you need
- Large glass pitcher with a lid to keep flavors clean in the fridge.
- Sharp knife and cutting board for those thin cucumber slices.
- Infuser bottle or mason jar for on the go sipping.
- Fine mesh strainer if you want to remove herbs and fruit after steeping.
- Ice cube tray to make cucumber or mint ice cubes for extra flavor.
None of this needs to be fancy. If you like to tinker and make flavors your own, you might appreciate these mix and match ideas too: customizing a simple healthy drink. The mindset is the same. Start with a base you love, then make small tweaks until it fits your taste and routine.
Staying Hydrated
Tiny habits that help
Here is what has made the biggest difference for me. I keep a large water bottle on my desk and set a casual pace for sipping throughout the day. I refill it as soon as it hits halfway. It sounds obvious, but that refill habit stops the afternoon desert feeling.
If you work out, drink a glass before and after movement. It helps you feel steady and keeps headaches at bay. On especially hot days, add an electrolyte or a small pinch of sea salt to your cucumber mint water to support balance. If you are moving a lot or dealing with sniffles, check out this timely sip too: immune friendly juice ideas.
And remember, hydration adds up across the day. Tea counts. Brothy soups count. Smoothies count. If you are training hard, you might enjoy extra support from performance focused drinks as well. For active days, I also like to rotate in this practical read: hydration ideas for athletes.
Common Questions
How long does cucumber mint water last?
It tastes best within 24 hours. You can refill with fresh water once or twice. After 48 hours, I recommend starting a fresh batch for the cleanest flavor.
Can I eat the cucumbers after?
Totally. They are mild after soaking, but still nice in a salad or as a crunchy snack.
Do I need to peel the cucumber?
Nope. The peel adds color and flavor. Just wash well. If your cucumber is waxed, you may prefer to peel it.
Is sparkling water ok?
Yes. Make the base infusion with still water, then top off glasses with sparkling water right before serving to keep the bubbles strong.
Can I sweeten it a bit?
If you want a hint of sweetness, add a few strawberry slices or a tiny drizzle of honey. You can also add a splash of 100 percent fruit juice.
Sip Happy and Stay Cool
That is my whole approach to this drink. The cucumber mint water recipe is simple, fresh, and easy to love, and it is the kind of habit that makes your day feel a little more put together. Keep a pitcher in the fridge, play with flavors, and watch how naturally your water intake goes up. If you want a step by step companion from another trusted source, take a look at How to Make Cucumber Mint Infused Water for even more tips. Try the cucumber mint water recipe this week, share it with a friend, and make staying hydrated feel like a treat.
Cucumber Mint Water
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Low-Calorie
Description
A refreshing infusion of cucumber and mint to make hydration enjoyable and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
- 8 to 10 fresh mint leaves, lightly bruised
- 6 to 8 cups cold filtered water
- Ice, optional
- Fresh lemon or lime slices, optional
Instructions
- Wash the cucumber and mint well; leave the peel on for extra flavor.
- Slice the cucumber into thin rounds to enhance flavor infusion.
- Bruise the mint gently to release its aroma.
- Add cucumber and mint to a large pitcher and pour in the water.
- Chill for 30 minutes for a light flavor or 2 to 4 hours for a stronger infusion. Add ice if desired.
- Adjust to taste, adding more mint or citrus slices as preferred.
Notes
For best flavor, consume within 24 hours. You can refill with fresh water once or twice. Cucumber and mint can be eaten after steeping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Infusion
- Cuisine: Undefined
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 10
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg