Prepare to be refreshed with this Cucumber Limeade! A simple homemade drink, this is perfect for sipping on the porch on a warm summer night.
Love a good, refreshing summer drink? Check out this Mint and Basil Lemonade or these Virgin Frozen Margaritas.
Summer is finally in full swing here. It seems like not that long ago I was complaining about the snow that seemed to never go away, and now we are enjoying warmer temps. But I’ll take it, because there is something magical about summer that I love.
I promised myself that I’d take advantage of this summer and really live it up, but so far, it has been business as usual. But thank goodness the summer isn’t over, because I have quite a few things on my summer bucket list just waiting to be crossed off.
One thing on that bucket list is a whole bunch of homemade Cucumber Limeade. Because this drink just says summer to me!
Think of the refreshing cucumber water you get at the spa, combined with a sweet and tart limeade. This really is the perfect drink to enjoy while sitting in the backyard on a warm summer evening.
Ingredients
- Sugar: I use regular granulated sugar to make the simple syrup.
- Water: This is also for the simple syrup.
- Lime Zest & Juice: You’ll want to zest the limes first (this goes into the simple syrup) and then juice the limes. You’ll add the lime juice later.
- Mint Leaves: You want fresh mint. It’s usually pretty inexpensive at the grocery store in the summer. Or if you grow it, you know that you’re always looking for ways to use it up!
- Cucumber: I like to use an English cucumber. I find that they are less bitter than regular cucumbers.
- Sparkling Water: You can use seltzer water, club soda, or even regular water.
How to Make Cucumber Limeade
PHOTO 1: You’ll want to make your simple syrup first. Combine the sugar, water, and lime zest and let it simmer until the sugar has dissolved. Then add the mint and let it steep for 30 minutes.
PHOTO 2: Strain the simple syrup to remove the mint and the lime zest. I do this straight into a mason jar.
PHOTO 3: Add your lime juice to the simple syrup.
PHOTO 4: Then add in about 3/4 of your cucumber. I like to save the rest for garnish, but you can always just add in as much as will fit. Now you want to refrigerate this for at least an hour, but overnight in the fridge will give you the best flavor.
When you are ready to serve, add 8 ounces of sparkling water to a cup, then add in 6 tablespoons of the cucumber lime syrup. Enjoy!
Tips and Tricks
The longer the syrup has to sit in the refrigerator, the more cucumber flavor it will have. If you only want a hint of cucumber, you can serve it after it has been chilled for an hour.
You can adjust the amount of sparkling water to syrup. If you want it sweeter/stronger, just add more syrup.
You can leave the mint out if you aren’t a fan, but it brings in a great background flavor.
For a sweeter drink, serve the syrup over Sprite or 7Up.
More Homemade Drink Recipes
The Princess Nojito
Blackberry Lime Soda
Ginger Limeade
Fruit Freeze
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Cucumber Limeade
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 medium English cucumber halved and thinly sliced
- 3 1/2 cups sparkling water chilled
Instructions
- In a pot, combine the sugar, water, and lime zest. Place over medium heat and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from the heat an stir in the mint leaves. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes
- Strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve. Combine the syrup and the lime juice, then add in about 3/4 of the cucumber, reserving the rest for garnish. Refrigerate for at least one hour, but overnight is best.
- When ready to serve, pour 1/2 cup of the sparking water into a cup. Add 6 tablespoons of the cucumber lime syrup. Serve.
Dorothy says
Made this and loved it.
Nutmeg Nanny says
Oh yum, this looks so refreshing 🙂 loving this!
Jocelyn@BruCrew Life says
This sounds so refreshing and summery!!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
I am so making this recipe this week! It just sounds SO SO refreshing! Pinned!
Heather of Kitchen Concoctions says
I make a similar drink but add some rum to make cucumber mint mojito! And I agree, totally refreshing and satisfying for these warm summer months!
Joanne says
Mmm adding cucumber to limeade does sound super refreshing. I might have to try that out on my mom tomorrow!
Katrina @ In Katrina's Kitchen says
Oh I so want this too! I think I just need to make every dish you’ve posted this week!!!!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
I love cucumber and mint infused water so this looks like the ultimate summer refresher!
Danelle says
What a fabulous twist on limeade….which is already pretty fabulous to begin with. 🙂
Chels R. says
This looks so refreshing! I love cucumbers!!
Bev @ Bev Cooks says
done. and. freaking. done.
Georgia @ The Comfort of Cooking says
Deborah, this looks AMAZING. I love cool, crisp cocktails in the summer and I know this would be a huge hit with me and my hubby both. Saving to try later! Thanks!
Heidi @foodiecrush says
Limeade is my FAVORITE! Warrens Drive-In does a pretty stellar job of it, but I’m totally down with doing this one at home. I recently did a boozy version so may have to do a taste test to compare. Happy summmmmmmer!
Tieghan says
I was just reading about this drink last night! Too funny! These look awesome and so refreshing!
Colleen @ What's Baking in the Barbershop?! says
Limeade is something I’ve never even thought of making myself – but this version makes me want to! It looks so incredibly refreshing!!!!