There is something almost cinematic about a tall, condensation-beaded pitcher of cucumber water. It’s the universal signal for “relax, you’re at the spa now.” But you don’t need a plush robe or a massage appointment to enjoy this crisp, cooling elixir.

Whether you’re looking to hit your daily hydration goals or hosting a brunch that needs a fancy (but effortless) touch, this Cucumber Mint Infusion is your new best friend. It’s bright, herbaceous, and incredibly refreshing.

Related: Fruit & Herb Flavored Ice Cubes

Why We Love It

Aside from tasting like a breezy summer afternoon, cucumber water is a fantastic way to spruce up “boring” plain water.

• Hydration with a Hint: It encourages you to drink more throughout the day.
• Zero Effort: It takes less than five minutes to prep.
• Beautiful Presentation: It looks gorgeous sitting on a countertop or a dining table.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I peel the cucumber before slicing?

You don’t have to! In fact, keeping the skin on makes the pitcher look much more vibrant. 

How long should I let it sit before drinking?

While you can drink it immediately, the flavors really start to “bloom” after about 1 to 2 hours in the fridge. This gives the water enough time to pull the essence out of the cucumber and mint.

Can I refill the pitcher with more water using the same ingredients?

Absolutely. You can usually get 2 or 3 refills out of the same cucumber and mint before the flavor starts to fade. Just keep in mind that the intensity will decrease with each refill.

Can I use dried mint instead of fresh?

It’s not recommended. Dried mint won’t infuse the same way and often leaves “floaties” in the water that aren’t very pleasant to drink. Stick to fresh sprigs for that crisp, clean taste.

Do I need to muddle the ingredients?

Not necessarily. Cucumbers release their flavor easily through the slices. For the mint, a gentle “slap” or a light bruise is plenty. Heavy muddling can make the water look cloudy and turn the mint leaves brown quickly.

Ingredients

• 16 cups cold water
• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 4 fresh mint sprigs
• Ice (plenty of it!)

How To Make Cucumber Water Step-by-Step

Prep the Base: Grab a 2-quart pitcher, a half-gallon mason jar, or your favorite infusion pitcher. Fill it with cold water.

Infuse the Flavor: Add the cucumber slices and the mint sprigs directly into the water. If you want a punchier mint flavor, give the leaves a gentle slap between your palms before dropping them in to release the essential oils.

Related: A Guide to Cooking with Fresh Herbs

Chill Out: Add enough ice to fill the rest of the pitcher. You can enjoy it immediately, but letting it sit in the fridge for about an hour really lets those flavors marry.

Serve in Style: Pour into glasses. If you’re feeling extra, garnish each glass with a fresh cucumber slice and a small sprig of mint.

This infusion will stay fresh and delicious in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. After that, the cucumber can start to lose its crunch and the mint may turn slightly bitter.

More Refreshing Drink Recipes

• Cantaloupe Agua Fresca
• Blueberry Iced Tea
• Sparkling Citrus Punch
• Strawberry Dirty Soda
• Mango Agua Fresca
• Lemon Ice Cubes with Mint

Looking for more inspiration? Check us out on Pinterest or Instagram, and join our community of Produce Moms!