Cucumber Water

We all know that water is better for you than soda or sugary juice drinks. But what can you do if you find water, well, boring? This cucumber water recipe adds subtle flavor and sweetness to your water, making it much more enjoyable and adding to H2O’s already impressive health benefits.

The health benefits of cucumber water start with the fact that you’ll likely drink more water throughout the day (and like it). Staying hydrated supports healthy skin, makes you think more clearly, supports healthy digestion, and makes it easier to maintain or reach a healthy weight.

Learning how to make cucumber water by adding citrus fruits like lemon, lime and orange, along with sliced cucumber, creates a drink with vitamin C, antioxidants and a refreshing sweet taste. While cucumbers are 96% water themselves, they contain a good source of antioxidants, which help reduce oxidative stress in the body. The health benefits of cucumbers also include antimicrobial and anti-cancer properties.

This citrus and cucumber water recipe is perfect for serving at a brunch, baby shower or bridal shower. But it’s also a fantastic option to keep in your refrigerator for a daily vitamin, flavor and hydration boost. If you’re trying to kick the sugary drink habit, you’ll want to save this recipe and make it on repeat all year long.

What does cucumber water do for you?

The health benefits of cucumber water are many. Adding a little flavor to water can make it easier to drink and increase the likelihood of you sipping on it more often throughout the day. Our cucumber water recipe includes citrus fruits, which are high in vitamin C. Combining lemon, lime and orange gives you 84% of your daily value (DV) of vitamin C. This is essential for a healthy immune system, skin health, iron absorption and more.

Because vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, a lot of the vitamin C in the fruit will be infused into the water, giving you a boost with each sip. If you typically reach for sugary drinks, cucumber water will help you easily reduce calories. Staying hydrated can also help you feel less hungry and increase the rate at which you burn fat.

Cucumber Water Ingredients

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• Cucumber: For an ultra-refreshing taste and nutrient boost, leave the skin on the cucumber, as it houses a lot of the flavor, antioxidants and vitamins. As for the type of cucumber to use, this is a great way to use up garden cucumbers. Or, you can also use English cucumbers (aka greenhouse or seedless cucumbers).
• Citrus: This recipe uses half a lemon, half a lime and half an orange. While infusing the whole fruit—peel and all—will add the most flavor and nutrients to your water, the peels can make the water taste bitter the longer they sit. If you plan on infusing your water for longer than a few hours, add the peels and fruit separately. Then, remove the peels after four hours to prevent any bitterness in your water.
• Water: Straight from the tap is fine, but the flavor will likely be much better if you use a water filter to remove chlorine and minerals.

Directions

Step 1: Combine all the ingredients

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Combine the sliced cucumber, orange, lemon and lime with 2 quarts of water in a large glass carafe or pretty pitcher. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours.

Editor’s Tip: Citrus peels can become bitter if left in the water for too long. For longer infusions, separate the peels and fruit and remove the peels after three to four hours.

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Cucumber Water Variations

• Make minty water: Add a handful of fresh mint leaves to the water for a refreshing mint flavor.
• Add berries: Take a cue from other fruit-infused water ideas and add a handful of sliced strawberries, blueberries or raspberries for more flavor and a pop of bright color.
• Go with ginger: A few slices of fresh ginger will add a zesty kick and gut-soothing properties.
• Include some melon: Add 1/2 cup cubed honeydew or canteloupe to the water for a fresh hint of melon.
• Try it herbal: Add a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme to give your infused cucumber water recipe an earthy spin.

How to Store Cucumber Water

The best way to store your cucumber water is in a glass pitcher (with a lid) in the refrigerator. Pitchers designed for infused water are helpful as they strain out the fruit or plant pieces as you pour water into your glass.

How long does cucumber water last?

Cucumber water will stay good in your refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Remove the citrus peels if the flavor becomes bitter after a few hours.

Cucumber Water Tips

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Do you need to peel cucumbers for cucumber water?

We recommend leaving the peels on to take advantage of the health benefits of cucumbers. Many vitamins and antioxidants are found in the skin.

How long should you leave cucumbers in water?

You can leave your cucumbers in the water for up to 24 hours. To make your cucumber water last longer, strain the citrus and cucumber from the pitcher after 12 to 24 hours and the water should stay good for another 12 to 24 hours in the refrigerator.