Cucumber & Citrus Infused Water

This refreshing drink is a fantastic way to enjoy the natural flavors of cucumber, lemon, and mint. While it’s often called a “detox” water, its real power lies in keeping you hydrated and providing a small boost of Vitamin C from the citrus.

Ingredients

Hydration Base: 8 cups (2 liters) of filtered water
Crisp Flavor: 1 large cucumber (thinly sliced)
Zest: 1 lemon (thinly sliced) and 1 lime (optional, thinly sliced)
Freshness: A handful of fresh mint leaves
Chill: 1–2 cups of ice

Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Produce

Thoroughly wash the cucumber, lemon, lime, and mint leaves under cool running water. Since these will be soaking in your water for hours, you want to ensure the skins are clean.

2. Slice Evenly

Use a sharp knife or a mandoline to slice the cucumber and citrus fruits into thin rounds. Thin slices allow more of the natural juices and oils to infuse into the water quickly.

3. Awaken the Mint

Take the mint leaves and gently “slap” them between your palms or bruise them slightly with the back of a spoon before adding them to the container. This releases the essential oils for a stronger aroma.

4. Combine

Place the cucumber slices, lemon, lime, and mint into a large glass pitcher or a 2-liter mason jar.

5. Add Water and Ice

Pour the 8 cups of water over the ingredients. Top with ice if you plan on serving it immediately.

6. The Infusion Process

For the best flavor, place the pitcher in the refrigerator and let it steep for at least 2 to 4 hours. This gives the ingredients time to flavor the water deeply.

7. Serving and Refilling

Serve chilled in a glass. You can keep refilling the pitcher with water throughout the day using the same fruit, though the flavor will become milder with each refill.

Helpful Success Tips

Bitterness Note: If you plan on keeping the water for more than 24 hours, it is best to remove the lemon and lime slices after about 4 hours. The white pith (the skin) of citrus can start to make the water taste bitter if left too long.
Keep it Fresh: Always store the infusion in the refrigerator and consume it within 2 days for the best taste and quality.

A Quick Note on Wellness

While this drink is a wonderful addition to a healthy lifestyle and can help reduce bloating by improving hydration, there is no single drink that can make a stomach “100% flat” on its own. True wellness comes from a balanced mix of nutrition, movement, and plenty of water!