Enjoy a refreshing twist on classic lemonade with this Cucumber Lemonade. The combination of crisp cucumber and tangy lemon creates a revitalizing beverage perfect for hot days.
Author:Grace Sullivan
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:5 minutes
Total Time:20 minutes
Yield:Approximately 6 servings 1x
Category:Beverage
Method:No-Cook
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
UnitsScale
1cup granulated sugar
1cup boiling water
1 small to medium cucumber (about 6–8 inches), peeled and chopped
1cup fresh lemon juice (from approximately 5-6 large lemons)
2–3cups cold water, divided
Ice cubes
Optional garnishes: cucumber slices, lemon slices, fresh mint leaves
Instructions
Prepare the Simple Syrup:
In a heat-safe container, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar with 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved. Set aside to cool.
Make the Cucumber Juice:
Place the peeled and chopped cucumber into a blender along with 1 cup of cold water. Blend until smooth.
Pour the cucumber puree through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl or pitcher, pressing the pulp to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the pulp. You should obtain approximately 1¼ cups of cucumber juice.
Combine Ingredients:
In a large pitcher, mix the freshly squeezed lemon juice, cucumber juice, and the cooled simple syrup.
Add 1-2 cups of cold water to achieve your desired sweetness and flavor concentration. Stir well.
Chill and Serve:
Refrigerate the cucumber lemonade for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and to chill the beverage.
Serve over ice, garnished with cucumber slices, lemon slices, and fresh mint leaves if desired.
Notes
Adjusting Sweetness: Feel free to modify the amount of simple syrup to suit your taste preferences. Start with less and add more if needed.
Herbal Infusion: For an added layer of flavor, consider infusing the simple syrup with fresh herbs like mint or basil. Simply add a handful of herbs to the hot simple syrup, let it steep until cooled, then strain out the herbs before mixing.
Storage: Store any leftover lemonade in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving, as separation may occur.