As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
This 4-ingredient cucumber lemonade is a super refreshing, thirst-quenching, super-hydrating beverage perfect for sipping on hot summer days! Sugar-free + flavored options available!
Super Refreshing Cucumber Lemonade Recipe
Simple, clean, crisp cucumber lemonade is a simple and refreshing drink any time of the year, so making the step to cucumber lemonade was practically inevitable as the weather heats- perfect for enjoying pool-side, at picnics, gatherings, and to keep in your fridge all summer between pitchers of basil lemonade, watermelon cooler, and fresh strawberry lemonade.
Honestly, this cucumber lemonade recipe is not only a refreshing twist on the classic, but it’s one of the easiest lemonade recipes you’ll try. There’s no simple syrup making or cucumber de-seeding. Just chop the ingredients, chuck everything in a blender, and in 2 minutes, it’s ready.
Even better, there are several ways to add your own personal twist to this crisp, summery homemade lemonade, including using your choice of sweetener (refined, unrefined, or sugar-free) and/or adding fresh herbs (how to store fresh herbs to last), or fruit.
Looking for more fun vegan drinks? Try out this mango bubble tea, watermelon slushie, virgin bloody mary, ginger fruit smoothie, matcha boba tea, or kale pineapple smoothie.
The Ingredients
You could also use a homemade simple syrup by combining equal parts water and granulated sugar (but feel free to use less sugar) in a small saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves. Leave to cool and enjoy!
What Else Could I Add?
- Basil: Use fresh, vibrant, aromatic leaves to create delicious cucumber basil lemonade.
- Mint leaves: The fresh and delicious flavor of mint complements cucumber’s freshness for a super summery, refreshing mint cucumber lemonade.
- Rosemary: Add subtle, aromatic, herbal flavor by adding a sprig of rosemary to the pitcher of cucumber lemonade while it chills before serving.
- Ginger: For the slightly spicy, zingy flavor of ginger, add some finely grated ginger.
- Elderflower syrup: Just a little, as it really complements the cucumber flavor. You can use this alongside or instead of another sweetener.
- Lemon peel: Add lemon zest or peel for a more intense citrusy flavor without tart flavor.
- Watermelon: Increase this lemonade’s super refreshing, hydrating quality with about ¼ of a small watermelon (cut up or blended into the cucumber lemonade).
You could garnish the lemonade (or muddle it into the drink) with other fruits, too, like fresh berries, mango, pineapple, peach, etc.
- Chia seeds: Add 3-4 tbsp chia seeds to this lemonade and leave it to chill for several hours for added texture and protein.
For enhanced presentation, add watermelon or other fruits and use a melon baller or shape cut-out tools to add to the pitcher.
How to Make Quick Cucumber Lemonade
Step 1: First, peel and roughly chop the cucumber and peel and quarter the lemons (remove as much white pith as possible).
Step 2: Then, add the prepared ingredients, sugar, and one cup of water to a blender and blend for about 1 minute until smooth.
Alternatively, juice the lemons to avoid having any bitter peel/pith in the drink. Though we’ve found it isn’t necessary – it’s up to you.
Step 3: Add the remaining water, pulse a few times, then taste and adjust the amount of sugar and lemon if preferred. For smooth lemonade, pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or nutmilk bag, squeezing/pressing well.
Enjoy the lemonade as-is or in glasses with ice. Optionally, garnish the cucumber lemonade with thin cucumber ribbons.
Top Recipe Tips and Notes
- Not peel or peel the cucumber: We prefer to do the latter, as cucumber peel can add a bitter flavor to the lemonade. However, it’s up to you. Cucumber seeds can also be slightly bitter, so de-seed it if preferred.
- Tweak to taste: Easily adjust the amount of sweetener and lemon juice to your liking.
- Chill before serving: For the best flavor, allow the cucumber lemonade to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This allows the sugar to dissolve and the flavors to meld.
- To avoid watered-down lemonade: Add ice to cups rather than the pitcher. OR make special cucumber lemonade ice cubes, so they don’t dilute the flavor as they melt.
- Zest the lemons: Even though zest isn’t required for this recipe, if you zest the lemons before juicing them, you can store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Storage Information
Store any leftover cucumber lemonade in a covered jug in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, stirring well between servings.
Cucumber Lemonade
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 cups of water, divided
- ½ to 1 cup of sugar, or more to taste
- 2 medium cucumbers, peeled and chopped
- 2 lemons, peeled and cut into quarters
Instructions
- To the blender pitcher, add 1 cup of water, sugar, cucumbers, and lemons. Blend for one minute or until fully blended.
- Add the remainder of the water, blend one more time and serve over ice.
Notes
- Not peel or peel the cucumber: We prefer to do the latter, as cucumber peel can add a bitter flavor to the lemonade. However, it’s up to you. Cucumber seeds can also be slightly bitter, so de-seed it if preferred.
- Tweak to taste: Easily adjust the amount of sweetener and lemon juice to your liking.
- Chill before serving: For the best flavor, allow the cucumber lemonade to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This allows the sugar to dissolve and the flavors to meld.
Just what I needed, thanks for this easy and simple recipe ❤️
Gotta love simple and it’s perfect for summer!