Description
Cool down with this refreshing Cucumber Mint Drink! Blended with fresh mint, lime, and a touch of sweetness, it’s the perfect summer beverage.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large cucumbers, peeled and roughly chopped
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves, packed
- 1/2 cup lime juice, freshly squeezed (about 4–6 limes)
- 1/4 cup simple syrup (see instructions below, or use agave nectar/honey to taste)
- 4 cups cold water, plus more to adjust consistency
- Ice cubes, for serving
- Lime wedges and mint sprigs, for garnish (optional)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Make sure no sugar crystals remain!
- Remove from heat and let cool completely. You can store the simple syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Place the chopped cucumbers and fresh mint leaves into a high-powered blender. Don’t skimp on the mint! It really makes the drink refreshing.
- Add the lime juice and simple syrup (or agave nectar/honey). Start with 1/4 cup of simple syrup and adjust to your taste later. Remember, you can always add more sweetness, but you can’t take it away!
- Pour in 4 cups of cold water.
- Blend on high speed until completely smooth. This may take a minute or two, depending on your blender. You want to make sure there are no chunks of cucumber or mint left.
- Place a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth-lined colander over a large bowl or pitcher.
- Pour the blended cucumber-mint mixture through the sieve. This step is crucial for removing any pulp and creating a smooth, refreshing drink.
- Use a spoon or spatula to press down on the solids in the sieve, extracting as much liquid as possible. Don’t be afraid to really press on it! You want all that delicious flavor.
- Discard the solids (or compost them!).
- Taste the strained cucumber-mint juice. This is the most important step! Adjust the sweetness and tartness to your liking.
- If it’s too tart, add more simple syrup (or agave nectar/honey), a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired sweetness.
- If it’s too sweet, add a little more lime juice, a teaspoon at a time, until it balances out.
- If the consistency is too thick, add more cold water until it reaches your preferred consistency. I personally like it a little thinner, but it’s all about personal preference.
- Cover the bowl or pitcher and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Chilling is essential for a truly refreshing drink! You can chill it for longer, even overnight, for an even more intense flavor.
- Fill glasses with ice cubes.
- Pour the chilled cucumber-mint drink over the ice.
- Garnish with lime wedges and fresh mint sprigs, if desired. Garnishing adds a touch of elegance and makes the drink even more appealing.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Cucumber Variety: English cucumbers are a great choice because they have thinner skin and fewer seeds, meaning you don’t necessarily need to peel them. However, regular cucumbers work just fine too. Just make sure to peel them if the skin is thick or bitter.
- Mint Variety: Spearmint is the most common type of mint, but peppermint or even chocolate mint can be used for a slightly different flavor profile. Experiment and see what you like best!
- Sweetener Alternatives: If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to simple syrup, you can use agave nectar, honey, or even stevia. Just be sure to adjust the amount to your taste, as they all have different levels of sweetness.
- Spice it Up: For a little kick, add a small piece of jalapeño (seeds removed!) to the blender along with the cucumbers and mint. Start with a small piece and taste as you go, as jalapeños can vary in heat.
- Sparkling Cucumber Mint Drink: Substitute sparkling water or club soda for some of the still water for a bubbly and refreshing twist.
- Cucumber Mint Cocktail: Add a shot of gin, vodka, or white rum to each glass for an adult beverage.
- Freezing for Later: You can freeze the cucumber-mint juice in ice cube trays for later use. Simply thaw the cubes and add water to reconstitute the drink. This is a great way to use up leftover cucumbers and mint.
- Adjusting the Mint: If you find the mint flavor too strong, start with a smaller amount (e.g., 1/2 cup) and add more to taste. Some mint varieties are more potent than others.
- Lemon vs. Lime: While lime juice is traditionally used in this recipe, you can substitute lemon juice for a slightly different flavor. I personally prefer lime, but lemon works well too.
- Making Ahead: This drink can be made a day or two in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will actually meld together even more over time.
- Serving Suggestions: This cucumber mint drink is perfect for hot summer days, picnics, barbecues, or any time you need a refreshing and hydrating beverage. It also pairs well with spicy foods, as it helps to cool down the palate.
- Garnish Ideas: Besides lime wedges and mint sprigs, you can also garnish with cucumber ribbons, edible flowers, or even a sprinkle of sea salt.
- Blending Tips: If your blender struggles to blend the ingredients smoothly, you can add a little more water to help it along. You can also chop the cucumbers and mint into smaller pieces before adding them to the blender.
- Straining Alternatives: If you don’t have a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth, you can use a nut milk bag to strain the mixture.
- Storage: Store any leftover cucumber mint drink in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavor may diminish slightly over time, but it will still be delicious.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes