I think less about staying hydrated in the winter months. Maybe because I'm not feeling hot or not spending as much time in the direct sun, I naturally drink a little less water. This Cucumber Lemon Ginger Water has been so important in helping me remember to keep my water intake up!
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If you also seem to hydrate a little less in the winter months, creating a flavorful fruit water can grab your interest and keep you refilling your glass.
This water combines fresh cucumber, bright lemon, earthy ginger, and spicy jalapeño for a lively, tasty, and visually appealing beverage you can enjoy any time your regular water just seems a bit too dull.
Try serving this water with a meal to impress your friends, family, or guests. It's perfect to help you feel refreshed after a heavy winter meal or with a light summer meal on a hot afternoon.
What You'll Need
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- Cucumber It doesn't really matter what type of cucumber you choose. I used an English cucumber here but Persian cucumbers would work too.
- Lemon Seedless lemons are great here, but you can also remove the seeds yourself. If you choose a Meyer lemon, this will provide a slightly sweeter flavor. I do not recommend lemon juice that comes from a container.
- Fresh Ginger There is no need to peel your ginger (whew!) Just cut into slices and add to the water along with the cucumber, lemon, and jalapeño.
- Jalapeño This is a fun twist for those who like spice. While I am not a nutrition professional, here is some interesting information from Healthline on the health benefits of jalapeños. Jalapeño can help your metabolism, help to prevent disease, and may even fight cancer.
- Water You can use regular, purified water here or try sparkling!
How to Make
- Cut up the cucumber, lemon, ginger, and jalapeño
- Add them to a pitcher of cold water
- Muddle a bit
- Enjoy!
Variations
- Omit the jalapeño for a version with less spice.
- You can add fresh herbs. Try mint or basil!
- Use sparkling water instead of still water.
- Switch up your citrus. Use limes, oranges, or even grapefruit.
How to Store
This water is best stored in a pitcher in the fridge so the lemon, ginger, cucumber, and jalapeño continue to infuse their flavor into the water. You can also pour it into smaller batches in water bottles.
Feel free to use the serving tool adjustment below by hovering your mouse over the number next to "Servings" in the recipe card.
Once made, any fruit-infused water can store for 3 days safely in the fridge. If it is unrefrigerated, it will last for 1 day.
If you'd like, freeze your citrus in the freezer overnight and use in your water like ice cubes. They will thaw slowly in the fridge.
You can also freeze the water itself. I recommend straining the infused water and freezing in popsicle molds or ice cube trays. Once frozen, move to a sealable plastic or silicone bag.
For the best flavor, use frozen infused water within 3-4 weeks.
How to Pair
This water can be enjoyed with so many different foods, from heavier winter to lighter summer meals. Here are some suggestions:
- With Italian Chicken Cutlets over a bed of pasta with a simple side salad
- With some Roasted Cherry Tomatoes on the Vine on a charcuterie board or cheese plate for brunch with friends
- Alongside Chicken Pastina Soup to feel warmed and hydrated
- As your drink of choice with a Marinated BLT with Chicken
Recipes You'll Love
If you're looking for more fruit-infused waters, try these:
📖 Recipe
Cucumber Lemon Ginger Water with Jalapeño
Ingredients
- 1 pitcher filtered cold water about 5 cups, still or sparkling
- ½-1 jalapeño
- 1 lemon seeds removed
- 1 cucumber small, or ½ large
- 2 inches fresh ginger
- ice cubes optional
Instructions
- Cut your cucumber, ginger, jalapeño and lemon into slices. Remove the seeds from the lemon. Peel the ginger if you'd like.
- Add to a pitcher of cold water.
- Use a muddler or wooden spoon to mash the solid pieces a bit to better infuse their flavor.
- Chill and infuse for a few hours for a stronger flavor, or serve right away for a lighter one.
Notes
- Feel free to experiment with different citrus fruit.
- Try adding fresh herbs like basil or mint.
- Add as much of these ingredients as you like - if you less heat, feel free to devein and deseed the jalapeño (remove the white inner membrane) or add less. If you want things more citrusy, add more lemon.
- This stores in the refrigerator safely for 3 days.
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