How to Make Cucumber Water: Staying Well Hydrated
Staying well-hydrated is a necessity for maintaining a healthy body. Whether we’re talking about weight loss, exercise regimens, or skin health, hydration plays an integral part in every facet of personal health. However, many people struggle to stay hydrated because they just don’t like the taste of plain water. Perhaps you’re one of them?
- Healthy Benefits of Cucumber Water
- Healthy Alternative to Plain Water
- How to Make Cucumber Water
- Basic Cucumber Water
- Carbonated Fruit Infused Cucumber Water
- Final Thoughts: Get Creative!
- Cucumber Water FAQs
- What are the main ingredients needed to make cucumber water?
- What optional ingredients boost the flavor?
- What is the best way to slice cucumbers for infused water?
- How long should you let cucumber water infuse?
- Does muddling or mashing the cucumbers intensify the flavor?
- How often should you change the cucumbers?
- How long does prepped cucumber water last in the fridge?
- What are the health benefits of drinking cucumber water?
The perfect solution for staying hydrated when plain water isn’t preferred is by drinking infused cucumber water as an alternative.
Cucumber water not only looks and sounds refreshing, but it’s healthy too. Trash the artificially flavored waters and drinks, especially the “sugar-free” varieties. We all need to remind ourselves that pumping chemicals into our bodies regularly will eventually have consequences.
Plus, unlike more many other healthy homemade drinks, cucumber water is surprisingly easy to make. Don’t be fooled by its simplicity. If you find hydration a difficult task because of the taste of plain water, cucumber water will surely open a new realm of exciting hydration possibilities.
Healthy Benefits of Cucumber Water
So why drink cucumber water? One important reason to drink cucumber water is to stay well hydrated. The refreshing taste of cucumbers added to ice-cold water will give your body the refreshing hydration it needs daily.
Our bodies are made up of 70% water. The fact of the matter is that we all need to drink a lot of water daily to maintain and replenish the body’s hydration levels. This includes drinking at least 64 ounces of water per day, minimum.
- Staying well hydrated and drinking plenty of fluids is key to maintaining good muscle function, immune health, skin health, and mind focus, and it will even aid in wrinkle prevention.
- Keeping your body well hydrated is especially vital for you to maintain and replenish your fluids while you exercise.
- Whether you are going for a relaxing walk or doing heavy-weight training, it’s always important to maintain the hydration levels your body requires while doing any kind of physical activity.
As I’m sure you already know, it’s very easy to get dehydrated while you are exercising. As you exercise, you lose a good deal of water through your breath and sweat. If you are not maintaining the proper amount of water when you exercise, you will get dehydrated. Don’t approach fluid intake haphazardly; dehydration can be dangerous.
When you get dehydrated, you may begin to feel dizzy and lethargic, have a loss of muscle function, and you may experience headaches. You will also get cramps sooner, and you may not feel as sharp mentally. Worse yet, you’ll increase your chance of getting heat stroke on those hot summer days.
Keeping our bodies well hydrated is crucial, especially while we are doing any kind of physical activity. Whether you’re cleaning the house or playing tennis, it is essential we do what is best for our bodies.
Healthy Alternative to Plain Water
But what if you don’t like drinking water? This is where cucumber water comes in.
Drinking this refreshingly tasty beverage can rehydrate you without all the unwanted sugars, artificial sweeteners, or calories that other flavored drinks often contain.
Cucumber water has a delicious and refreshing flavor. So, adding cucumbers to your water can easily replace several kinds of fruit juices, sodas, or any other kind of sugary drink. Plus, you can also get creative and tailor your own recipes by adding other fruity ingredients.
It can be quite disagreeable to drink plain old boring water, especially if you’ve got to deal with terrible-tasting public tap water. It can downright make you feel queasy, gulping down all that tasteless water. Worse yet, it may taste like chlorine.
So, if you know you need to stay hydrated but hate the taste of water and value natural healthy drinks (not artificial sweeteners or sugary drinks), infusing water with natural fruits or vegetables is the perfect option. After you begin drinking this refreshing drink, you will always want to keep it with you. The below recipe is so simple, and it will always quench your thirst.
How to Make Cucumber Water
Cucumber water is also the perfect summertime drink. Beat the heat with this drink and try out these recipes.
Basic Cucumber Water
Ingredients
- 1 Medium Size Cucumber
- 2 Quarts of Water
First, rinse your cucumber under cool water. Be sure to wash off all dirt and bacteria that could be on your cucumber. If you don’t care for the skin, you can peel the cucumber with a vegetable peeler. If you want a more attractive appearance, you can use your vegetable peeler and peel off some of the cucumber’s skin to create stripes.
It all depends on your own personal taste. You can leave the skin on, you can peel it off, or leave some on. It’s really up to you!
After you have washed and prepared your cucumber, slice it in half. If desired, you can also seed the cucumber. Using a spoon, gently carve out the soft center that contains the seeds. Some prefer to do this step to prevent the seeds from floating around in the glass.
With a sharp pairing knife, cut the cucumber into thin slices. The thinner you cut your slices, the easier the cucumber flavors will infuse into your water. Place the cucumber slices in the desired glass, water bottle, or pitcher, then add the water. Allow to steep for at least an hour before drinking to get the desired flavor.
You can even let it steep overnight for a stronger cucumber taste. Add ice and enjoy your new and tasty healthy drink.
Carbonated Fruit Infused Cucumber Water
If you want to add some jazz to your already great infused drink, you can try out this colorful and tasty recipe! You can supplement this recipe by adding your favorite fruits as well. It’s really hard to mess up an infused water recipe, so try many different variations. The options here are endless!
Ingredients
- 1 Medium Size Cucumber Cut in Thin Slices
- 1/2 Cup Capped and Sliced Strawberries
- 1 Orange Sliced (or your favorite citrus)
- 1 Tablespoon of Fresh Mint Leaves
- 1 Can of Sparkling water
- 1/2 Cup Crushed Ice
In a drinking glass, glass water bottle, or infused water bottle, combine the cucumber, strawberries, orange, and mint leaves. Add your sparkling water and crushed ice. Gently mix the ingredients together. If you really want a strong mint flavor, slightly rub the mint leaves together before adding them to your water. This will allow the mint flavor to infuse more easily into the water.
Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy hydration!
Final Thoughts: Get Creative!
Knowing that there is a healthy and tasty alternative to plain water is good news for those who don’t enjoy drinking water. It’s reassuring to know that there is a healthy and enjoyable way to stay hydrated without having to resort to unhealthy sports drinks or other options. Never feel like you have to sacrifice good taste for health.
Cucumber water is the perfect union of healthy ingredients and great taste.
Hydration is only boring because you haven’t made it interesting. Mix things up a bit and get creative. Hydration, indeed, can be fun.
What’s your experience with cucumber water? The recipes really are endless.
Cucumber Water FAQs
What are the main ingredients needed to make cucumber water?
Just cucumbers and water are needed. Slice cucumbers and add to a pitcher of water.
What optional ingredients boost the flavor?
Lemon, lime, mint, ginger, and oranges add complementary flavors.
What is the best way to slice cucumbers for infused water?
Thin slices or rounds allow more surface area for the cucumber to infuse the water, meaning more cucumber flavor. This will be true regardless of which fruits or vegetables you’re using to infuse your water.
How long should you let cucumber water infuse?
At least 2 hours in the refrigerator allows the flavors to fully develop. Overnight is ideal.
Does muddling or mashing the cucumbers intensify the flavor?
Yes, gently mashing the cucumber slices helps release the juices and oils for a stronger flavor.
How often should you change the cucumbers?
The cucumbers should be changed every 24 hours for the best taste.
How long does prepped cucumber water last in the fridge?
It will last 2-3 days refrigerated before the flavors become too diluted.
What are the health benefits of drinking cucumber water?
It is hydrating, antioxidant-rich, and provides trace nutrients like vitamin K.