A crisp, spa-style refresher made by infusing effervescent water with cooling cucumber and bright lemon. Ready in minutes, it turns everyday hydration into a subtly flavored treat that feels leisurely yet demands almost no effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Instant elegance—three everyday ingredients create a drink that looks and tastes like it came from a hotel spa.
Ultra-fast preparation: slice, pour, and enjoy—no cooking or special tools needed.
Light and wholesome: zero added sugar, negligible calories, and naturally rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.
Versatile base: easily customized with herbs, berries, or flavored seltzers for endless variations.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 cups (1 L) chilled plain sparkling water
½ medium seedless (English) cucumber, thinly sliced (about 16 slices)
1 medium lemon, thinly sliced and seeds removed
Optional garnish: 4–6 fresh mint or basil sprigs; ice as needed

directions

Combine the cucumber and lemon slices in a 1-quart (1 L) glass pitcher.
Pour in the sparkling water slowly to preserve carbonation.
Infuse for 3–5 minutes so the flavors bloom.
Serve over ice, garnishing each glass with a mint sprig if desired. Enjoy immediately for maximum fizz.

Servings and timing

Yield	Prep Time	Infusion Time	Total Time
4 servings (about 1 cup each)	5 minutes	5 minutes	10 minutes

Variations

Citrus Twist: Swap half the lemon for lime or orange slices to change the aroma.
Herbal Spa: Add a 2-inch knob of peeled ginger or a few dried lavender buds for subtle complexity.
Flavored Seltzer Boost: Use lemon- or cucumber-flavored sparkling water for a more pronounced taste.
Berry Burst: Add ½ cup halved strawberries or blueberries for natural color and gentle sweetness.

storage/reheating

Store any leftovers, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours; after that, the cucumber softens and carbonation fades. For best fizz, keep the pitcher tightly sealed or transfer the drink to individual swing-top bottles. Do not attempt to re-carbonate once fruit is inside—prepare a fresh batch instead.

FAQs

Can I use still water instead of sparkling?

Yes, plain filtered water works; follow the same infusion steps.

How long should I infuse before serving?

Three to five minutes yields a light flavor; chilling for 30 minutes intensifies it.

Will the lemon turn the drink bitter overnight?

Lemon rind can impart slight bitterness after 24 hours; remove the slices if storing longer.

Can I sweeten it?

A teaspoon of agave or simple syrup per glass adds a hint of sweetness without masking the freshness.

Is it safe for children and pregnant individuals?

Absolutely—there is no caffeine, alcohol, or added sugar; it is essentially flavored water.

Can I use flavored sparkling water as the base?

Yes; unsweetened lemon or cucumber seltzer deepens the taste without extra ingredients.

How do I keep cucumber slices from floating to the top?

Cut thin rounds and add ice first; the chilled weight helps keep them submerged.

Does it really aid weight loss or detox?

While hydrating and low-calorie, scientific support for detox claims is limited; its main benefit is encouraging higher water intake.

Can I substitute limes for lemons?

Certainly—use one large lime or two small ones, sliced thinly.

How long does the drink stay fizzy?

It is best within 2 hours; most effervescence dissipates after 12 hours even if refrigerated.

Conclusion

Lemon Cucumber Sparkling Water proves that sophistication can be simple. With just a few fresh slices and a bottle of bubbly water, you can elevate daily hydration, impress guests, and customize flavors to suit any occasion—all in under ten minutes. Keep this recipe on hand for summer gatherings, post-workout refreshment, or whenever you crave a healthy splash of zest.