Cucumber Lemonade

This cucumber lemonade is the most refreshing drink for summer. Made with just 4 ingredients, it combines the crispness of fresh cucumber with tangy lemon for a twist on traditional lemonade. It’s perfect for hot summer days, backyard barbecues, or casual get-togethers with friends.

I love that you can make it ahead of time and let it chill in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. No last-minute drink prep when guests arrive. Just add ice and garnishes, and you’re done. It’s seriously the best lemonade I’ve ever had!

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

• Just 4 simple ingredients. Fresh cucumbers, lemons, sugar, and water. No complicated ingredients or special equipment needed.
• Make it ahead for parties. Mix up a big batch the day before and let it chill in the refrigerator. Just add ice and garnishes when you’re ready to serve.
• Incredibly refreshing. Cucumber adds a cool, crisp flavor that takes traditional lemonade to the next level. Perfect for hot summer days.
• Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. Safe for anyone with celiac disease, lactose intolerance, or food allergies. Everyone can enjoy it!

Ingredients

Ingredient Notes

• Lemons – You’ll need 1 cup of lemon juice, which comes from 5-6 large lemons. If you’re using smaller lemons, you may need more. You can also use limes instead for a cucumber limeade.
• Cucumbers – Any type works in this recipe. I used Persian cucumbers, but English cucumbers are great too. If you use regular garden cucumbers, peel them first since the skin is thicker and waxy. For Persian or English cucumbers, leave the peel on and just chop into chunks.
• Granulated sugar – You’ll need this to make the simple syrup. I haven’t tested other sweeteners, but monk fruit sweetener should work. Don’t use brown sugar or coconut sugar as they’ll turn the simple syrup dark and ruin the pretty green color. If you’re vegan, make sure your granulated sugar is vegan.
• Water – You’ll need water for both the simple syrup and to dilute the lemonade. I used filtered water.

Tip

To add an extra burst of flavor to your cucumber lemonade, try infusing the lemonade with fresh herbs like mint, basil, or thyme. Simply place a few herb sprigs in the lemonade and let it sit for a couple of hours before serving.

Step-by-Step instructions

This cucumber mint lemonade recipe is so easy to make with just a few simple steps. The below photos with matching steps are meant to help you see the recipe at various stages so you can easily make homemade lemonade all Summer long!

For the ingredient list with measurements, full instructions, printable recipe, and additional notes, please scroll down to the recipe card.

Add the granulated sugar and 1 cup of water to a saucepan. Bring to a boil and stir occasionally until the sugar has dissolved. Let the simple syrup cool completely before using. Add the cucumber chunks to a blender. Blend until smooth. Place a fine-mesh sieve over a bowl or the pitcher. Press the cucumber pulp with the back of a spatula or spoon to get as much juice out as possible. You will end up with about 1 cup of cucumber juice. Add the simple syrup, lemon juice and cucumber juice to a pitcher. Add the remaining water to the cucumber lemonade concentrate. Don’t add all the water at once. Be sure to taste test to make sure you are not diluting the lemonade too much. Serve the cucumber lemonade chilled with your favorite garnishes, like cucumber ribbons, lemon wedges and fresh mint!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use limes instead of lemons in this recipe?

Yes, you can use limes in this recipe to make a cucumber limeade. Keep in mind that limes produce less juice than lemons, so you will need more of them to reach 1 cup of lime juice.

How do I know if I’ve added too much water?

Always taste the lemonade before adding all the water. Start with 3 cups, then add more gradually until it tastes right. If you accidentally over-dilute it, add 2-4 tablespoons more lemon juice to bring back the flavor.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?

I don’t recommend it. Fresh lemon juice makes a huge difference in flavor. Bottled lemon juice has a weird aftertaste, and since lemon is the main flavor, it’s worth using fresh.

Expert Tips

• Press the cucumber pulp really well. Use the back of a spoon or spatula to extract as much juice as possible from the blended cucumber. You want to get about 1 cup of cucumber juice for the best flavor.
• Zest your lemons before juicing. You won’t need the zest for this recipe, but freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Use it later in baking recipes like my gluten-free lemon brownies .
• Get creative with garnishes. Add a sprig of fresh mint, a slice of cucumber, or even a twist of lemon to each glass. Not only will it enhance the presentation, but it’ll also infuse extra flavors into the drink.

Storage instructions

• Storage: Store cucumber lemonade in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Do not add ice until you’re ready to serve because it will water down the flavor of the lemonade.
• Freezer Option: You can freeze lemonade, though I would recommend freezing the lemonade concentrate before adding in the additional 4 cups of water. Pour the cucumber lemonade concentrate into a freezer-safe bag and then freeze for up to 6 months. Just defrost until liquid and then add the 4 cups of water to serve.

Serving suggestions

This cucumber lemonade is perfect for summer entertaining. Serve it at backyard barbecues alongside gluten-free BBQ chicken wings , bacon-wrapped dates with goat cheese , or cranberry goat cheese log . It also pairs beautifully with roasted corn and bacon red potato salad or any summer salad. For more refreshing drink options, try my basil lemonade or apple cider moscow mule .

Variations

Add sparking water

Replace one or two cups of water with sparkling water or club soda to give your cucumber lemonade a fizzy twist. This variation adds a bubbly effervescence to the drink. Adjust the ratio based on your preference for the level of carbonation. I’d recommend not adding the sparkling water until right before serving so it doesn’t lose the fizziness in the drink.

Alcohol

If you’re over the age of 21+ and are looking to add some alcohol to your cucumber lemonade to make a simple cocktail, here are some ideas for an easy spiked lemonade:

1. Vodka: Add a shot or two of vodka to a glass of cucumber lemonade for a simple and refreshing cocktail. It complements the flavors of the cucumber and lemon without overpowering them.
2. Gin: Gin pairs wonderfully with the botanical notes in cucumber lemonade. Add a shot of gin to your glass and garnish with a cucumber slice or sprig of fresh herbs for an elegant and refreshing cocktail.
3. Tequila: For a unique twist, try adding a splash of tequila to your cucumber lemonade. The earthy and agave flavors of tequila complement the crispness of the cucumber and the tanginess of the lemon.
4. Rum: White or silver rum can add a tropical flair to your cucumber lemonade. Mix in a shot of rum and garnish with a slice of lime or a sprig of fresh mint for a deliciously refreshing cocktail.

Add iced tea

Combine lemonade with your favorite iced tea, such as black tea or green tea, for a refreshing and flavorful combination. Adjust the ratios of lemonade and tea to achieve your preferred balance.

More gluten-free drinks to try

All Drinks

• 

  Basil Lemonade

• 

  Basil Simple Syrup

• 

  Cucumber Lemonade

Did you make this recipe?

I’d love to know! Please rate it and leave a comment below. You can also share your pictures and tag @adashofmegnut on Instagram.