Cucumber Mint Water delights, cools, and refreshes even the thirstiest among us on hot, summer days. Mint, freshly plucked from my front porch is rinsed and patted dry. Cucumbers from a local farm are washed, then sliced thin. And that’s it. That’s the extent of complicated preparation necessary to make this delicious tonic.
I almost feel guilty calling it a recipe. I’d never had a drink like this until a few summers past, when a friend served it to me as I sat in her sun room. She had used mint from a pot on her back porch, along with the leaves from a rose scented geranium that grew right beside it. The resulting rose and mint water was an epiphany. I could do likewise. This Cucumber Mint Water is the result.
Fresh cucumber has been shown to inhibit the behavior of pro-inflammatory enzymes like COX-2. Rich in anti-oxidants, the juice has been touted as a great relief for any inflammatory ailment — from arthritis to heart conditions. Fresh mint has long been the wise woman’s go-to herb for easing digestive discomfort. It’s one of the few herbs that has had scientific research back up it’s legendary status among herbal enthusiasts, as a few studies have shown that it can help stop colitis and irritable bowel syndrome. Combine the two, and you get a powerhouse of soothing energy, a perfect remedy for days when you’ve seen a little too much heat or physical exertion.
Cucumber Mint Water
The Players
- 4 fresh mint leaves
- 15 super thin slices of cucumber
- 1 gallon of filtered water (where to buy water filters)
The How-To
Stir everything together in a glass pitcher. Add some ice or put it in the fridge. Let the flavors mingle for a time. If you crush your mint leaves in the water, you can drink it as soon as the Cucumber Mint Water cools. If you want to keep them whole for presentation’s sake, you can drink the water after a few hours.
The Cucumber Mint Water will keep for several days in the fridge, but ours always disappears within minutes!
Variations
Add a the juice of half a lemon or lime for extra tang.
Add a few chunks of cut up summer melons like watermelon, cantaloupe, or honey dew for a pleasant sweetness.
Add a few slices of orange for a citrus overtone.
(photo by maecreative)
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Stick a chocolate mint leaf on a cube of watermelon with a toothpick=coool!
Stick a chocolate mint leaf on a cube of watermelon with a toothpick=coool!
Stick a chocolate mint leaf on a cube of watermelon with a toothpick=coool!
I drank cuke water all weekend! So damn good.
I love the flavor that melon adds to water. I also like to puree melon and freeze it into ice cubes. It’s great in water or blended up with a little lime juice. 🙂
Lovin’ it!! Thanks for sharing!
Art and Jewelry Designs by Audrey F — You’re welcome.
Well I’ll be.
Sounds interesting and I will probably give it a try in the near future. Thanks!
I just made raspberry mint infused water last night from frozen raspberries I needed to get rid of, it was wonderful, kids thought it should be sweetened so I added a little mint infused raw honey, yum!
We have a gallon of water we’re working through now with lemon slices and raspberries in it.
Didn’t think I would like it but I love it! Thanks Food Renegade
Gotta try that. I got more mint than I know what to do with. Do you know what else I just discovered–about the same ingredients too, with just a few extra:
1-2 cucumbers (depending on size), chopped
6 large (quarter size, not dime) mint leaves, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
1/4 cup vinegar
Pepper or Lemon Pepper
Salt
Mix it together and you get the most amazing salad!
Fresh peaches in water is great!
What an awesome idea! I have cucumbers from my CSA that I need to use.
That water looks so delicious! I help do marketing for Zing Anything, this company that has citrus and fruit Zingers, that allow you to keep the real fruit/veggies right into your water bottle. The website is http://www.zinganything.com if you want to check it out.
Sounds so good right now. 🙂 I linked to your post on my Real Food Cart!
Mmmm, we love cucumber water, but mint cucumber water sounds divine!
yum… I just added a bit of cut op fresh cherries to this and boy was it refreshing. Thank you.
strawberries fresh from the garden in cold water give it a lovely flavour too
Ginger added to the mint and cucumber is lovely to, just a couple of thin slices to taste
I love mint water, have never even though of adding cucumber! can’t wait to try it! 🙂
Tried this, loved it! Pinned it! 🙂
How long does this stay good for? If heaven forbid I don’t make it through the entire pitcher in a day!
Nevermind! Just saw that comment! 🙂
Add thin sliced fresh ginger to the cucumber and mint water..The flavor is fantastic and a real boost to your immune system. I fix quart mason jars so I can take with me and refill with water and get more mileage out of my ingredients..