Cucumber-Mint Water

This lightly sweetened cucumber-flavored water is enhanced with fresh mint and a touch of lemon juice; a DIY (and healthier) version of the flavored waters that are all the rage.

• 1/4 cup lightly packed fresh mint leaves
• 2 Tbs. granulated sugar
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 medium English cucumber (about 1 lb.), peeled, seed core removed, and cut into chunks (2 1/2 cups)
• 2 Tbs. fresh lemon juice

Put the mint leaves and sugar in a small pot and crush the leaves with a wooden spoon. Pour in the boiling water and stir until the sugar dissolves. Set aside to steep and cool for 15 minutes.


Meanwhile, in a blender, purée the cucumber with 2 cups cold water. Strain the cucumber liquid and mint liquid through a fine strainer into a large bowl; discard the solids. Pour the liquid into a large pitcher. Add the lemon juice and 3 cups cold water; stir to combine. Serve over ice.