Hello Lykkers! When the weather feels warm and a glass of plain water sounds a little boring, cucumber juice makes a wonderfully fresh alternative. It has a naturally crisp flavor, plenty of water-rich cucumber, and a bright lift from citrus and mint. Best of all, this drink requires no complicated cooking and can be ready in just a few minutes.

A little extra lemon makes it tangier, fresh ginger adds warmth, while mint gives every sip a cooling character. The recipe below makes one generous serving, but it can easily be doubled for sharing.

Ingredients

- 1 large cucumber, or 2 small cucumbers

- 8–12 fresh mint leaves, rinsed

- 1–2 tablespoons fresh lemon or lime juice

- 4–6 ice cubes

- 1 small pinch of salt, preferably pink salt or black salt

Optional Additions

For a more interesting flavor, add any of the following:

- ¼ inch fresh ginger, peeled and chopped

- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper

- 3–4 pieces celery stalks, cut into approximately 2-inch pieces

- Coconut water instead of some or all of the ice for a slightly different drink

The optional ingredients aren't necessary for a refreshing cucumber juice, so the basic version works perfectly well on its own.

How to Prepare the Cucumbers

- Start by rinsing the cucumber thoroughly under cool running water. Gently scrub the skin with a clean produce brush, especially if the cucumber will be blended with its peel.

- Cut away both ends. Thin-skinned cucumbers such as English or Japanese varieties generally do not need to be peeled. Keeping the skin can also give the finished drink a deeper green appearance.

- If the cucumber tastes noticeably bitter, slice off both ends and rub the cut ends against the cucumber for about a minute. A foamy substance may appear. Rinse the cucumber again before continuing. If a homegrown cucumber tastes intensely bitter throughout, it is better not to use it.

Step-by-Step: Making Cucumber Juice in a Blender

1. Cut the cucumber

Slice the prepared cucumber into smaller chunks. Smaller pieces make blending easier and help create a more even mixture.

2. Add everything to the blender

- Place the cucumber pieces into a blender. Add the rinsed mint leaves, lemon or lime juice, ice cubes, and a small pinch of salt.

- For extra flavor, add the ginger and black pepper at this stage.

3. Blend until smooth

- Blend on medium to high speed until the cucumber has broken down completely and the mixture looks evenly combined.

- Depending on the blender, this usually takes around 30–60 seconds. If the mixture seems too thick to move easily, add a small splash of cold water or coconut water.

4. Strain the juice

- Position a fine-mesh strainer over a bowl or large measuring jug. Pour the blended cucumber mixture through the strainer.

- Use the back of a spoon to gently press the pulp, extracting as much liquid as possible without forcing too much coarse pulp through the mesh.

- For a slightly thicker, more rustic drink, the straining step can be skipped.

5. Adjust the flavor

- Taste the juice before serving. Add another teaspoon of lemon or lime juice if a sharper flavor is preferred. A tiny additional pinch of salt can bring out the cucumber and mint.

6. Serve immediately

- Pour the cucumber juice into a chilled glass filled with a few ice cubes. Finish with a small mint sprig or thin lemon wedge for a simple presentation.

- The drink is at its freshest immediately after preparation.

For the best flavor, use firm, fresh cucumbers and serve the juice soon after blending. Avoid adding too much ice because it can water down the drink as it melts. Instead, chill the cucumber and citrus beforehand if a colder glass is desired. This cucumber juice is simple enough for an ordinary afternoon yet attractive enough to serve at brunch or a summer gathering. With only a handful of ingredients, it delivers a crisp combination of cucumber, citrus, and mint without requiring any cooking.