If you crave a thirst-quencher that’s as delicious as it is revitalizing, Hydrating Cucumber Lemon Water may just become your favorite way to stay refreshed. This easy infusion combines crisp cucumber, zesty lemon, a kiss of pure maple or honey, and a pinch of pink salt, all working together to transform ordinary water into something truly extraordinary.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Hydration: Packed with electrolytes from pink sea salt and water-rich cucumber, this drink keeps you wonderfully refreshed all day.
- Burst of Fresh Flavor: The vibrant combination of lemon and cucumber adds a spa-day twist to any ordinary glass of water.
- Effortlessly Simple: Just a handful of fresh, accessible ingredients and a few moments of prep deliver stunning results—no fancy gadgets required!
- Customizable Goodness: Whether you want it a little sweeter, tarter, or extra-chilled, this recipe is easy to make your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Minimal but mighty—these six ingredients come together to create the ultimate Hydrating Cucumber Lemon Water. Each one lends something special to the taste, aroma, and wellness factor of this rejuvenating beverage, making every sip feel like a treat.
- Fine pink sea salt: Not just for flavor—this mineral-rich salt brings a subtle savory edge and helps replenish electrolytes.
- Maple syrup or honey (optional): A touch of natural sweetness balances the tart lemon; pick your favorite or skip if you want it sugar-free.
- Fresh squeezed lemon juice: For brightness and zing, nothing beats real lemon juice—feel free to add a little extra for more punch!
- Lemon, sliced: Adding slices gives visual pop and slowly infuses the water with deep citrus notes.
- English cucumber, sliced: Ultra-refreshing, subtly grassy, and packed with hydration; English cucumbers are thin-skinned and nearly seedless.
- Filtered water: Start with the purest water you can for the cleanest, crispest flavor.
Variations
One of the best parts about Hydrating Cucumber Lemon Water is how flexible it is. Feel free to customize it according to your pantry, palate, or whatever fresh produce you have on hand—there’s truly a combination for every occasion!
- Herbal Boost: Add a handful of mint, basil, or even rosemary sprigs for extra aroma and flavor complexity.
- Berry Twist: Toss in a few sliced strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for pops of color and subtle sweetness.
- Spicy Kick: Try a thin slice or two of ginger or jalapeño if you’re in the mood for a zesty, warming note.
- Citrus Medley: Replace some lemon with lime, orange, or grapefruit slices for a new spin on classic spa water.
How to Make Hydrating Cucumber Lemon Water
Step 1: Layer and Mix the Ingredients
Begin by adding the fine pink sea salt to the bottom of a large 32-ounce jar or pitcher—this helps it dissolve quickly. Next, pour in the maple syrup or honey if using, add the fresh lemon juice, followed by the sliced lemons and cucumbers. Finish by gently pouring in your filtered water. Use a long spoon to stir everything together, making sure the salt fully dissolves and the flavors start mingling.
Step 2: Infuse and Chill
Seal your pitcher or jar with a lid, or simply cover tightly, and refrigerate for at least 40 minutes. This resting time is essential—it allows the flavors of cucumber and lemon to gently infuse into the water, giving you that signature clean, crisp taste. For deeper flavor, you can let it infuse up to 24 hours, but don’t forget—after that, strain out the solids to avoid bitterness.
Step 3: Serve Over Ice and Enjoy
When you’re ready to enjoy, give the infused water one last stir. Pour over ice in your favorite glass and add an extra slice of lemon or cucumber on the rim for garnish. Take a deep breath, sip slowly, and savor the moment—you’ve just made every day feel like a spa day at home!
Pro Tips for Making Hydrating Cucumber Lemon Water
- Choose the Best Cucumbers: Opt for firm, evenly colored English cucumbers for the mildest, freshest flavor and no bitterness or tough seeds.
- Salt Amount Matters: Start with just 1/4 teaspoon of pink salt—if you’re new to the taste, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
- Cold Is Key: Chilling for at least 40 minutes is essential; the colder your water, the more vibrant and crisp the drink feels.
- Strain to Avoid Bitterness: After 24 hours, remove the lemon and cucumber slices—their peels can lend a bitter note if left too long.
How to Serve Hydrating Cucumber Lemon Water
Garnishes
The simplest way to elevate your Hydrating Cucumber Lemon Water is with a beautiful garnish! Add a few extra lemon wheels, floating cucumber ribbons, or a fresh sprig of mint to each glass. These tiny flourishes not only make your drink Instagram-worthy—they genuinely boost aroma and flavor, making every sip more inviting.
Side Dishes
This light, crisp drink pairs perfectly with brunch fare like avocado toast or a citrus fruit salad. It also complements Mediterranean-style dishes—think hummus with veggies or a fresh tabbouleh—by balancing savory and salty flavors, all while keeping your palate happy and hydrated.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or special occasions, try serving Hydrating Cucumber Lemon Water in clear glass pitchers, mason jars, or even individual glass bottles with striped paper straws. You can freeze edible flowers or small slices of fruit into the ice cubes for an extra-special wow factor that’ll have everyone reaching for just one more glass.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Hydrating Cucumber Lemon Water (which, let’s be honest, is rare!), simply strain out the lemon and cucumber after 24 hours and keep the infused water in a sealed jar in the fridge. It stays delicious and fresh for up to 5 days, so you can sip whenever you need a boost.
Freezing
While traditional freezing isn’t ideal for this recipe, you can pour leftover Hydrating Cucumber Lemon Water into ice cube trays. Pop the cubes into your next glass of water for instant flavor and refreshment—no dilution necessary!
Reheating
This is definitely a chilled-only drink—reheating isn’t recommended, as the flavors would be lost and the refreshing quality disappears. Instead, always serve Hydrating Cucumber Lemon Water ice cold straight from the fridge or over plenty of ice.
FAQs
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Can I make Hydrating Cucumber Lemon Water without sweetener?
Absolutely! The sweetener is completely optional. The natural flavors of cucumber and lemon shine even without any added honey or maple syrup—it’s all up to your personal taste. If you find it too tart, try a dash of maple or honey, but you can also skip it for a cleaner, sugar-free drink.
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Why use pink sea salt in this infused water?
Pink sea salt isn’t just about flavor; it offers a unique boost of minerals and electrolytes, which are great for staying hydrated, especially on hot days or after exercise. It also gives the water a subtle savory finish that really complements the cucumber and lemon.
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How long can I keep the fruits and veggies in the water?
For the most balanced flavor, it’s best to remove the lemon and cucumber after about 24 hours. Leaving them in longer can start to introduce bitterness, especially from the lemon peel. Once strained, you can enjoy the infused water for up to 5 days, perfectly chilled.
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Can I double (or halve) the recipe?
Yes, Hydrating Cucumber Lemon Water is incredibly flexible. Simply adjust the ingredient amounts to fit your jar or pitcher—double for a party, halve for a solo treat. Just keep the same ratios for perfect flavor every time!
Final Thoughts
Give yourself the gift of easy, everyday luxury with Hydrating Cucumber Lemon Water. Whether you’re lounging in the sun, heading to the gym, or just want to treat your taste buds a little better, this vibrant, nourishing drink is a small act of self-care you can sip on all week long!
PrintHydrating Cucumber Lemon Water Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: General
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Stay refreshed and hydrated with this easy-to-make cucumber lemon water recipe. A simple yet flavorful drink that’s perfect for any time of the day.
Ingredients
Fine Pink Sea Salt:
- 1/4 teaspoon
Maple Syrup or Honey (optional):
- 1/2 teaspoon
Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice:
- 1/4 cup (2 ounces)
Lemon:
- 1, washed and thinly sliced (100 grams)
English Cucumber:
- 1/2, cut into 1/4 inch slices (100 grams)
Filtered Water:
- 4 cups (32 ounces)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a 32 ounce pitcher or jar: Start with sea salt and stir several times to dissolve the salt.
- Put a lid on the jar or cover the pitcher: Set in the refrigerator for at least 40 minutes, up to 24 hours.
- When ready to drink: Pour infused water over ice and garnish with additional lemon and cucumber slices.
Notes
- I find that leaving the additional ingredients in the water can start giving off a bitter flavor after 24 hours.
- Instead, strain the fruit/vegetables out of the water after one day, then keep the infused water in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 22 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 149mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg