Description
This refreshing cucumber lemonade recipe is a vibrant twist on a classic. Easy to make, it combines fresh lemon and cool cucumber for a perfect, healthy summer sip.
Ingredients
- 1 large English cucumber
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ cup to ¾ cup granulated sugar or other sweetener
- 6 cups cold water
- Ice cubes
- Fresh cucumber slices and lemon wedges
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cucumber: First, give your English cucumber a good wash. I sometimes peel it for a smoother drink and a brighter green color, but that’s up to you! Then, chop the cucumber into smaller pieces; this helps it blend really well.
2. Blend the Cucumber: Place all your chopped cucumber into a blender. Pour in 1 cup of cold water. Blend everything on high speed until the cucumber turns into a completely smooth puree. This step is super important for getting all that wonderful, fresh cucumber flavor into your cucumber lemonade recipe.
3. Strain the Cucumber Puree: Once blended, pour the cucumber puree through a fine-mesh sieve. Place the sieve over a large bowl or directly into your serving pitcher. Use a spoon or a spatula to press down firmly on the cucumber solids, squeezing out as much liquid as possible. This fresh cucumber juice is the heart of our cucumber lemonade recipe! You can discard the leftover pulp or save it for another use, like a smoothie.
4. Make the Simple Syrup (if using sugar): In a small saucepan, combine your chosen amount of granulated sugar (start with ½ cup up to ¾ cup) with 1 cup of water. Heat this mixture over medium heat, stirring all the time, until the sugar completely dissolves. Once clear, remove it from the heat and let it cool down fully. If you’re using honey or agave nectar instead, you can skip this step and add it directly in step 6.
5. Combine Juices: In your large serving pitcher, pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice along with the strained cucumber juice you just made. These two flavors are the stars of our cucumber lemonade recipe.
6. Sweeten to Taste: Now, add the cooled simple syrup to the pitcher. If you opted for honey or agave, stir it in here. Start with ½ cup of your chosen sweetener, then give it a taste. You can easily add more if you prefer a sweeter drink, customizing it to create your perfect cucumber lemonade recipe.
7. Add Remaining Water: Pour the remaining 4 cups of cold water into the pitcher. Give everything a really good stir to ensure all the flavors are perfectly mixed and balanced.
8. Chill and Serve: For the absolute best taste, place your cucumber lemonade in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 to 2 hours. This chilling time lets all the delicious flavors meld together beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, pour it over ice and garnish each glass with fresh cucumber slices and a lemon wedge. Enjoy your amazing homemade cucumber lemonade recipe!
Notes
Always use fresh lemons and crisp cucumbers. Adjust sweetener to taste. Chill time is crucial for flavor development. Use a fine-mesh sieve for a smooth drink. Make extra simple syrup for convenience. Substitutions for sweeteners include honey, agave nectar, maple syrup, or sugar substitutes. Regular garden cucumbers can be used if seeds are removed. For a sparkling version, use sparkling water or club soda. Variations include adding mint, ginger, or berries, or making a boozy version with gin or vodka. Store in a covered pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Cuisine: American