Cucumber and lime water with sparkling water: the most refreshing drink of the summer
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This recipe has three ingredients, takes two minutes to prepare, and is the most surprising of all our recipes. Fresh cucumber with lime and sparkling water creates a drink that seems sophisticated without actually being so. The secret, which you won't find anywhere else, is a pinch of sea salt that intensifies all the flavors.
Some recipes seem too simple to be good. This is one of them. When you say it—cucumber, lime, sparkling water—people raise an eyebrow. When they taste it, they ask for another.
The first time we made it was in the middle of August, without wanting to complicate things. Cucumber that we had to use up, lime, the fizzer. The result was so good that it's been our go-to summer drink ever since.
Ingredients for 2 glasses
• 1/3 of a fresh cucumber, thinly sliced — with peel if organic
• The juice of 1 lime + a few slices for garnish
• 6-8 mint or spearmint leaves
• 1 generous pinch of flaked sea salt
• Ice cubes
• 300 ml of cold sparkling water — lightly or medium carbonated
Preparation
1. Place the cucumber slices and mint at the bottom of the glasses or in a small pitcher.
2. Add the lime juice and a pinch of salt. Lightly mash the cucumber with a spoon—just enough to release its juice, not to break it down.
3. Taste it. It should be fresh, light, with a touch of acidity. If it lacks vibrancy, add a little more lime.
4. Add the ice and top up with sparkling water, pouring slowly.
5. Serve immediately — this recipe doesn't wait.
Why salt is the secret ingredient
A pinch of salt in cold drinks doesn't make them taste salty—it makes all the other flavors more intense and defined. It's the same principle professional bartenders use to enhance cocktails. If you've never tried it, you'll be amazed the first time.
Variants
• With basil: substitute fresh basil leaves for mint. The cucumber-basil combination is less well-known but just as good.
• With watermelon: add a couple of cubes of watermelon while muddling. The color changes to a beautiful pink and the sweetness of the watermelon balances the acidity of the lime.
• Spa version: Add a few extra slices of cucumber (without mashing them) and let it infuse for 20 minutes before adding the sparkling water. Smoother, more elegant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What carbonation level works best?
For this recipe, we recommend light or medium carbonation. Highly carbonated water can overpower the delicate flavors of the cucumber and mint. We want bubbles that complement, not steal the show.
Can it be prepared in bulk for the refrigerator?
The base—cucumber, lime, salt, and mint—can be macerated in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours. Add sparkling water just before serving.
In summary
- Lightly crush the cucumber — just enough to release its juice, not to break it down.
- Salt is essential — although it may seem strange, it transforms the recipe.
- Soft carbonation for this recipe — the bubbles should complement, not dominate.
- Serve immediately — fresh cucumber loses texture quickly.
Homemade sparkling water has a cleaner, more neutral taste than bottled water—ideal for delicate recipes like this one. Discover our CO₂ cylinders and start noticing the difference.