Description
A crisp, refreshing, and healthy summer drink made with fresh cucumber, mint, and lime juice. This naturally sweetened sparkling limeade is ready in under 10 minutes and is perfect for hot days.
Ingredients
- 1 medium English cucumber (sliced into thin rounds or half-moons)
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves (spearmint or peppermint)
- 2–3 fresh limes (juiced, yielding 1/3 to 1/2 cup)
- 4–6 cups chilled sparkling water (club soda or seltzer)
- 2–3 tablespoons honey or simple syrup (optional)
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Wash the cucumber thoroughly and slice it into thin rounds or half-moons.
- Place the cucumber slices and mint leaves in the bottom of a large pitcher or jug.
- Add honey or simple syrup to the pitcher if using.
- Muddle the mint and cucumber gently to bruise the leaves and release juices, being careful not to shred the mint.
- Cut limes in half and squeeze the juice directly into the pitcher, straining out seeds.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness by adding more honey or lime juice as needed.
- Fill the pitcher with ice cubes.
- Pour in the chilled sparkling water slowly to preserve bubbles.
- Stir gently with a long spoon to mix.
- Serve immediately in tall glasses filled with fresh ice, garnished with cucumber slices and mint sprigs.
Notes
For best results, use fresh lime juice rather than bottled. If using honey, consider making a quick syrup by mixing equal parts honey and warm water to ensure it dissolves in cold drinks. Do not over-muddle the mint to avoid bitterness. For a stronger flavor, let the muddled cucumber and mint sit in the lime juice for 10-15 minutes before adding the sparkling water. Store the base mixture (without soda) in the fridge for up to 2 days; add sparkling water just before serving to maintain fizz.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverages
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 15
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 1
Keywords: sparkling cucumber mint limeade, summer drinks, refreshing beverages, healthy mocktails, cucumber limeade, mint limeade, gluten-free drinks, vegan drinks, low calorie drinks, easy summer recipes