There's nothing quite like a cold glass of cucumber mint juice recipe on a hot afternoon. I still remember the first time I tasted this drink at my friend's summer barbecue; it was love at first sip. The cool, crisp cucumber paired with fresh mint leaves creates a flavor that's both refreshing and surprisingly satisfying.
This cucumber mint juice recipe takes less than 5 minutes to make, yet delivers incredible health benefits. Whether you're enjoying it with breakfast, looking for a natural detox drink, a weight loss companion, or just something delicious to beat the heat, this homemade cucumber mint juice checks all the boxes. The best part? You probably already have everything you need sitting in your kitchen right now.
Why This Cucumber Mint Juice Recipe Is a Game-Changer
Most store-bought juices are loaded with sugar and preservatives, but this cucumber mint juice recipe keeps things pure and simple. Fresh cucumbers provide natural hydration (they're 96% water!), while mint leaves add that signature cooling sensation that makes every sip feel like a mini spa treatment. This isn't just another trendy drink; it's a traditional refresher that's been keeping people cool across Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cultures for generations.
The beauty of this cucumber mint juice recipe lies in its versatility. You can drink it first thing in the morning as a detox water, serve it at summer parties as a sophisticated mocktail, or sip it post-workout for natural rehydration. It pairs wonderfully with light salads, grilled fish, or even spicy Indian dishes where the cooling cucumber mint beverage helps balance bold flavors. Plus, with zero added sugar and minimal calories, this cucumber mint juice recipe supports your health goals without sacrificing taste.
Jump to:
Ingredients
- Cucumbers (Persian or English preferred, fewer seeds & thinner skin)
- Fresh mint leaves (cooling flavor, aids digestion)
- Lemon (juiced, adds brightness & vitamin C)
- Cold water (adjust for consistency)
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Prep Your Ingredients
- Wash the cucumbers thoroughly under running water; even if you're peeling them, clean skin prevents contamination.
- Cut the cucumbers into chunks (no need to peel if they're organic).
- Rinse the mint leaves gently and remove any tough stems.
- If using ginger, peel it with a spoon and chop roughly.
- Juice the lemon and set aside.
Pro tip: Chilling your cucumbers beforehand makes the juice naturally colder without diluting it with ice.
Blend Everything Together
- Add cucumber chunks to your blender first (they need the most breaking down).
- Toss in the fresh mint leaves; don't be shy, more mint means more flavor.
- Pour in the cold water; start with 1.5 cups and add more if needed.
- Add lemon juice and optional ginger or honey.
- Blend on high speed for 45-60 seconds until completely smooth.
- If your blender struggles, add a bit more water to help the blades move.
Pro tip: A high-speed blender gives the smoothest texture, but any regular blender works for this cucumber mint juice recipe.
Strain for Smoothness
- Place a fine-mesh strainer over a large bowl or pitcher.
- Pour the blended mixture through slowly, pressing down with a spoon.
- For ultra-smooth juice, strain twice or use cheesecloth.
- The leftover pulp can be composted or added to smoothies for extra fiber.
Pro tip: If you don't mind pulp, skip straining altogether; it keeps more nutrients intact in your homemade cucumber mint juice.
Serve and Enjoy
- Serve immediately for maximum freshness and flavor.
- Pour the strained juice into glasses filled with ice.
- Garnish with extra mint sprigs and thin cucumber slices for that Instagram-worthy look.
- Give it a quick stir before drinking, as natural juices can settle.
Expert Cooking Tips
Making the perfect cucumber mint juice recipe involves a few insider tricks that transform good into amazing:
- Choose the right cucumbers: English or Persian cucumbers have thinner skins and fewer seeds, which means less bitterness and smoother juice. Regular garden cucumbers work too, but consider peeling them if the skin tastes bitter. Always give them a taste test before juicing.
- Don't skip the lemon: It's not just about flavor; lemon juice prevents the cucumber mint juice from oxidizing and turning brown. The acidity also helps your body absorb more nutrients from the mint and cucumber.
- Temperature matters: Everything should be cold before blending. Warm ingredients create foam and can make your drink taste flat. I keep my cucumbers in the crisper drawer and mint in a glass of water in the fridge, which keeps the leaves perky and fresh for up to a week.
Adjust water based on your preference:
- For a concentrated detox shot, use only 1 cup of water
- For a light, hydrating beverage, add up to 3 cups
- For cucumber mint detox water to sip all day, double the water and skip straining
- Taste as you go: After the first blend, taste your juice. Too mild? Add more mint. Too tart? A tiny bit of honey balances it. Too thick? More water. Making juice is personal, so adjust until it's perfect for your palate.
- Fresh is best: This healthy cucumber mint drink recipe tastes best within 2 hours of making it. The flavors start to separate and the mint can become bitter if it sits too long, especially at room temperature.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
For Different Health Goals
- Cucumber mint juice for weight loss: Skip any sweeteners and add extra lemon juice. The combination of cucumber's low calories (only 16 per cup) and mint's digestion-boosting properties makes this an ideal drink for those watching their weight. Drink it 30 minutes before meals to help with portion control.
- Cucumber mint juice for glowing skin: Add half a green apple for vitamin C and antioxidants. The extra nutrients support collagen production, while cucumber's silica content promotes skin elasticity. I drink this version three times a week and have noticed my skin looking more hydrated and clear.
- Cucumber mint ginger juice: Double the ginger for a powerful anti-inflammatory boost. This variation is perfect if you're fighting a cold or need help with post-workout muscle soreness. The spicy kick also jumpstarts your metabolism.
Flavor Variations
- Tropical twist: Replace half the water with coconut water and add a handful of fresh pineapple chunks. This creates a vacation-worthy drink that's still incredibly healthy.
- Spicy cucumber cooler: Add a small green chili or pinch of cayenne pepper. Popular in Indian-style cucumber mint juice, the heat paradoxically makes you feel cooler while boosting circulation.
- Herbal infusion: Mix in fresh basil or cilantro along with the mint. Both herbs pair beautifully with cucumber and add their own health benefits.
Dietary Modifications
- Vegan/Plant-based: This cucumber mint juice recipe is already naturally vegan! Just use maple syrup or agave instead of honey if you're avoiding all animal products.
- Keto-friendly: Skip fruit additions and sweeteners. Add a pinch of sea salt to replace electrolytes, making it perfect for hydration during fasting periods.
- Sugar-free: Use stevia drops if you need sweetness without calories. Most people find the natural cucumber and mint flavors satisfying enough without any sweetener once they adjust.
Equipment Recommendations
- High-speed blender (Vitamix, Ninja, or NutriBullet); makes the smoothest cucumber mint juice recipe without chunks. Budget option: Any regular blender works; just blend longer.
- Fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth; essential for removing pulp if you prefer smooth juice. A nut milk bag also works perfectly.
- Large pitcher or mason jars; for storing your homemade cucumber mint detox water. Glass is best as it doesn't absorb flavors.
- Citrus juicer; makes quick work of getting every drop from your lemon. A fork works in a pinch if you don't have one.
- Sharp knife and cutting board; for prepping cucumbers quickly and safely.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Refrigerator Storage
- Fresh cucumber mint juice tastes best within 24 hours of making it. Store it in an airtight glass container in the coldest part of your fridge (usually the back). Give it a good shake before drinking, as natural separation is normal.
Freezing Instructions
- You can freeze this cucumber mint juice recipe in ice cube trays for up to 2 months. Pop a few cubes into water for instant flavored water, or add them to smoothies. Don't freeze the strained juice in large containers; it loses texture when thawed.
Batch Prep Strategy
- Prep your ingredients ahead by washing and cutting cucumbers, storing them in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Keep mint leaves in a damp paper towel inside a plastic bag. When you're ready, everything blends up in under 2 minutes.
On-the-Go Tips
- Pour your cucumber mint juice into insulated bottles or thermoses to keep it cold for hours. Add ice cubes made from the same juice to prevent dilution as they melt.
The 10-Minute Rest That Changes Everything
Here's something most people don't know about making the perfect cucumber mint juice recipe: after blending but before straining, let the mixture sit in your blender for 10 minutes. This resting period allows the mint oils to fully infuse into the cucumber base, creating a much more aromatic and flavorful drink. The flavors meld together beautifully, and you'll taste the difference immediately.
Another secret? Add a tiny pinch of salt (about ⅛ teaspoon) to your cucumber mint juice recipe before serving. It might sound odd, but salt is a flavor enhancer that makes the cucumber taste more cucumber-y and brings out the sweetness without adding sugar. Professional juice bars use this trick all the time, and now you can too. The salt is completely undetectable but makes people say, "Wow, what makes this taste so good?"
FAQ
How to make cucumber and mint juice?
Simply blend 2 large cucumbers, 1 cup fresh mint leaves, juice of 1 lemon, and 2 cups water until smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve for smooth juice, or drink as-is for more fiber. Serve over ice immediately. This cucumber mint juice recipe takes just 5 minutes from start to finish and requires no special equipment beyond a basic blender.
Is cucumber mint juice good for you?
Yes! This cucumber mint juice recipe is incredibly healthy. Cucumbers provide hydration, vitamin K, and antioxidants that support skin health. Mint aids digestion, freshens breath, and may help with headaches. The combination is low in calories (about 45 per serving), naturally detoxifying, and packed with vitamins. It's especially beneficial for weight loss, skin health, and staying hydrated during hot weather.
Does mint go with cucumber?
Absolutely; mint and cucumber are a classic flavor pairing. The cool, mild taste of cucumber provides the perfect backdrop for mint's refreshing, slightly sweet flavor. They complement each other beautifully in drinks, salads, and even spa treatments. This combination has been used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines for centuries because the flavors naturally enhance rather than compete with each other.
How long to infuse cucumber mint water?
For cucumber mint detox water (the unstrained version), infuse for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator for light flavor, or overnight for stronger taste. The longer it sits, the more flavor transfers. However, remove the mint leaves after 24 hours to prevent bitterness. Cucumber slices can stay for up to 48 hours. For immediate drinking, use this blended cucumber mint juice recipe instead.
Keep the Refreshment Going
Now that you've mastered this cucumber mint juice recipe, you're equipped with the perfect drink for hot summer days, post-workout hydration, or any time you need a healthy refreshment. The simplicity of this recipe means you can make it as often as you like without any hassle, and the health benefits make every sip worthwhile. Whether you're using this cucumber mint juice recipe for weight loss, glowing skin, or just because it tastes amazing, you've discovered a keeper.
Try experimenting with the variations I mentioned, and don't be afraid to make it your own. Once you're comfortable with this cucumber mint juice recipe, explore other refreshing options like my Gingerbread Overnight Oats Recipe for a cozy breakfast that's just as easy, or blend up an Apple Pear Smoothie Recipe when you want something fruity. All three recipes share that same philosophy: simple ingredients, incredible flavor, and real health benefits.
With love & freshness
By Lisa Johnson ✨
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Cucumber Mint Juice Recipe
Cucumber Mint Juice Recipe
Equipment
- 1 High-speed blender Or any standard blender
- 1 Fine-mesh strainer Cheesecloth or nut milk bag also works
- 1 Large pitcher or mason jars For storing juice
- 1 Citrus juicer Or use a fork if not available
- 1 Sharp knife For cutting cucumbers
- 1 Cutting board For prepping ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers ~400g; Persian or English cucumbers best
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves Packed; remove stems
- 1 medium lemon Juiced
- 2 cups cold water Adjust consistency
- 1 inch piece fresh ginger Optional; peeled and chopped
- 1–2 tablespoon honey or agave Optional; for sweetness
- 1 pinch black salt Optional; Indian-style
- ice cubes For serving
Instructions
- Wash cucumbers, cut into chunks; rinse mint; peel/chop ginger; juice lemon.
- Add cucumbers, mint, water, lemon juice, ginger/honey into blender; blend 45–60s.
- Pour mixture through strainer/cheesecloth; press pulp for smooth juice.
- Pour into glasses over ice; garnish with mint sprigs & cucumber slices.
Notes
- Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Leave a Reply