This cucumber lemonade is the most refreshing drink for summer. Made with just 4 ingredients, it combines the crispness of fresh cucumber with tangy lemon for a twist on traditional lemonade. It’s perfect for hot summer days, backyard barbecues, or casual get-togethers with friends.
I love that you can make it ahead of time and let it chill in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. No last-minute drink prep when guests arrive. Just add ice and garnishes, and you’re done. It’s seriously the best lemonade I’ve ever had!
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
Ingredients
Ingredient Notes
- Lemons – You’ll need 1 cup of lemon juice, which comes from 5-6 large lemons. If you’re using smaller lemons, you may need more. You can also use limes instead for a cucumber limeade.
- Cucumbers – Any type works in this recipe. I used Persian cucumbers, but English cucumbers are great too. If you use regular garden cucumbers, peel them first since the skin is thicker and waxy. For Persian or English cucumbers, leave the peel on and just chop into chunks.
- Granulated sugar – You’ll need this to make the simple syrup. I haven’t tested other sweeteners, but monk fruit sweetener should work. Don’t use brown sugar or coconut sugar as they’ll turn the simple syrup dark and ruin the pretty green color. If you’re vegan, make sure your granulated sugar is vegan.
- Water – You’ll need water for both the simple syrup and to dilute the lemonade. I used filtered water.
Tip
To add an extra burst of flavor to your cucumber lemonade, try infusing the lemonade with fresh herbs like mint, basil, or thyme. Simply place a few herb sprigs in the lemonade and let it sit for a couple of hours before serving.
Step-by-Step instructions
This cucumber mint lemonade recipe is so easy to make with just a few simple steps. The below photos with matching steps are meant to help you see the recipe at various stages so you can easily make homemade lemonade all Summer long!
For the ingredient list with measurements, full instructions, printable recipe, and additional notes, please scroll down to the recipe card.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can use limes in this recipe to make a cucumber limeade. Keep in mind that limes produce less juice than lemons, so you will need more of them to reach 1 cup of lime juice.
Always taste the lemonade before adding all the water. Start with 3 cups, then add more gradually until it tastes right. If you accidentally over-dilute it, add 2-4 tablespoons more lemon juice to bring back the flavor.
I don’t recommend it. Fresh lemon juice makes a huge difference in flavor. Bottled lemon juice has a weird aftertaste, and since lemon is the main flavor, it’s worth using fresh.
Expert Tips
Storage instructions
- Storage: Store cucumber lemonade in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Do not add ice until you’re ready to serve because it will water down the flavor of the lemonade.
- Freezer Option: You can freeze lemonade, though I would recommend freezing the lemonade concentrate before adding in the additional 4 cups of water. Pour the cucumber lemonade concentrate into a freezer-safe bag and then freeze for up to 6 months. Just defrost until liquid and then add the 4 cups of water to serve.
Serving suggestions
This cucumber lemonade is perfect for summer entertaining. Serve it at backyard barbecues alongside gluten-free BBQ chicken wings, bacon-wrapped dates with goat cheese, or cranberry goat cheese log. It also pairs beautifully with roasted corn and bacon red potato salad or any summer salad. For more refreshing drink options, try my basil lemonade or apple cider moscow mule.
Variations
Add sparking water
Replace one or two cups of water with sparkling water or club soda to give your cucumber lemonade a fizzy twist. This variation adds a bubbly effervescence to the drink. Adjust the ratio based on your preference for the level of carbonation. I’d recommend not adding the sparkling water until right before serving so it doesn’t lose the fizziness in the drink.
Alcohol
If you’re over the age of 21+ and are looking to add some alcohol to your cucumber lemonade to make a simple cocktail, here are some ideas for an easy spiked lemonade:
- Vodka: Add a shot or two of vodka to a glass of cucumber lemonade for a simple and refreshing cocktail. It complements the flavors of the cucumber and lemon without overpowering them.
- Gin: Gin pairs wonderfully with the botanical notes in cucumber lemonade. Add a shot of gin to your glass and garnish with a cucumber slice or sprig of fresh herbs for an elegant and refreshing cocktail.
- Tequila: For a unique twist, try adding a splash of tequila to your cucumber lemonade. The earthy and agave flavors of tequila complement the crispness of the cucumber and the tanginess of the lemon.
- Rum: White or silver rum can add a tropical flair to your cucumber lemonade. Mix in a shot of rum and garnish with a slice of lime or a sprig of fresh mint for a deliciously refreshing cocktail.
Add iced tea
Combine lemonade with your favorite iced tea, such as black tea or green tea, for a refreshing and flavorful combination. Adjust the ratios of lemonade and tea to achieve your preferred balance.
More gluten-free drinks to try
Did you make this recipe?
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Cucumber Lemonade
Ingredients
For the simple syrup:
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240 g) water
For the cucumber lemonade:
- 12 oz (340 g) Persian cucumbers - cut into 1-inch chunks (about 4 small cucumbers, or use 1 large English cucumber)
- 1 cup (244 g) lemon juice - from 5-6 large lemons
- 4 cups (950 g) water
**Use the toggle button above to turn the instruction photos on and off!
Instructions
Make the simple syrup:
- Add 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar and 1 cup (240 g) water to a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar completely dissolves.
- Remove from heat and let cool completely, at least 30 minutes.
Make the cucumber juice:
- Add 12 oz (340 g) Persian cucumbers cut into chunks to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Place a fine-mesh sieve over a bowl or pitcher and pour the cucumber puree through it. Use the back of a spatula to press out as much liquid as possible. You should get about 1 cup (8 oz) of cucumber juice. Discard the solids.
Mix the lemonade:
- Add the cooled simple syrup, cucumber juice, and lemon juice to a large pitcher. Stir to combine.
- Add 3 cups (712.5 g) water to the pitcher. Taste and add up to an additional 1 cups (237.5 g) water if needed. If it's too watered down, add 2-4 tablespoons more lemon juice.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Serve chilled in glasses with ice. Garnish with lemon slices, cucumber ribbons, and fresh mint if desired.
Notes
- Adjust water to taste: There’s a range for the water because you’ll want to taste before diluting completely. Start with 3 cups, taste, then add more if needed. It’s easier to add water than to fix over-diluted lemonade.
- Naturally gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free with only 4 simple ingredients.
- Storage: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Don’t add ice until serving. To freeze, freeze the concentrate (before adding the 3-4 cups water) for up to 6 months.
Nutrition
Great