Zesty Lime Kiwi Cucumber Water

If you ask me, flavored water is one of the best ways to stay refreshed.

This kiwi cucumber water brings together two of my favorite ingredients for a drink that’s both cooling and naturally sweet. The bright kiwi adds a touch of tropical flavor while crisp cucumber keeps things light and fresh.

It’s made by simply combining sliced fruits with cold water and letting all those good flavors slowly infuse. A quick stir now and then helps the flavors mingle just right.

It’s a nice change from plain water that makes staying hydrated feel less like a chore and more like a treat.

What Kind of Cucumber Should I Use?

For infused water, English cucumbers (also called hothouse cucumbers) are your best bet since they have thinner skin and fewer seeds than regular cucumbers. They’re also less bitter and have a milder, sweeter taste that works really well in drinks. Regular garden cucumbers will work too – just peel them first to avoid any bitter flavors. If you’re using regular cucumbers, you might want to scoop out the seeds before slicing since they can float around in your drink. Whether you choose English or regular cucumbers, make sure they’re firm and fresh to get the crispest, cleanest flavor in your infused water.

Options for Substitutions

This refreshing drink is super adaptable and you can play around with the ingredients quite a bit:

• Cucumber: If cucumber isn’t your thing, try using celery stalks for a different crisp element, or skip it altogether – the drink will still taste great!
• Kiwi: No kiwi? Try using green apple slices, green grapes, or even honeydew melon chunks. Each will add its own fresh twist to the drink.
• Lime slices: Lemon slices work just as well here. You could even use a splash of lemon or lime juice instead of the fresh slices.
• Lime-infused sparkling water: Regular sparkling water works fine – just add an extra slice of lime. You can also use any other flavored sparkling water, or even plain water with a splash of lime juice.
• Mint or basil: These herbs are interchangeable, or you could try other fresh herbs like lemon balm or even a sprig of rosemary for a different flavor profile.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest mistake when making kiwi cucumber water is using warm or room temperature sparkling water, which will make your drink go flat quickly – always start with well-chilled sparkling water and add the fruits just before serving. Another common error is slicing the cucumber and kiwi too thick, which prevents their flavors from properly infusing into the water – aim for paper-thin slices using a sharp knife or mandoline for the best flavor release. To keep your drink from becoming bitter, avoid leaving the fruit in the water for more than 4 hours, and if you’re making it ahead, add the sparkling water last to maintain maximum fizz. For an extra refreshing twist, try freezing some of your cucumber slices beforehand to use as natural ice cubes that won’t dilute your drink.

What to Serve With Kiwi Cucumber Water?

This refreshing kiwi cucumber water makes a perfect drink for light summer meals and brunches. It pairs really nicely with fresh salads, especially ones with citrus or tropical fruits that complement the kiwi and cucumber flavors. For a casual weekend brunch, serve it alongside avocado toast, fruit platters, or light pastries – the drink’s crisp taste helps balance richer breakfast foods. If you’re hosting a party, this drink works great with light appetizers like cucumber sandwiches, hummus and veggies, or fresh spring rolls.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: This refreshing kiwi cucumber water tastes best when enjoyed right away while the sparkling water is still fizzy. If you want to keep it for later, store it in the fridge in a sealed pitcher or bottle for up to 24 hours, though keep in mind the bubbles will gradually fade.

Prep Ahead: You can slice your cucumber, kiwi, and lime ahead of time and keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, just add the fruit to your glass and pour in fresh sparkling water for the best fizzy experience!

Fruit Usage: Once you’ve finished your drink, you can actually snack on the fruit infusions – they’re perfectly edible and have taken on a nice fizzy flavor. If you don’t plan to eat them, it’s best to remove the fruit after about 4 hours to prevent them from getting too soggy.

Preparation Time	5-10 minutes
Cooking Time	0 minutes
Total Time	5-10 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 30-40
• Protein: 1-2 g
• Fat: 0-1 g
• Carbohydrates: 8-10 g

Ingredients

• 4 thin slices of cucumber
• 1/2 kiwi, peeled and sliced thinly
• 2 thin lime slices, seeds removed
• 1 can of lime-infused sparkling water
• Mint or basil leaves for decoration (optional)

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients in the Glass

Begin by placing slices of cucumber, kiwi, and lime at the bottom of a large drinking glass.

Ensure that each slice is evenly spread out to maximize flavor extraction.

Step 2: Muddle the Ingredients

Using the back of a wooden spoon, gently crush or muddle the ingredients in the glass for about 20 seconds.

This action helps to release the essential oils and juices from the cucumber, kiwi, and lime, infusing the drink with fresh flavors.

Step 3: Add Sparkling Water and Garnish

Pour lime-sparkling water over the muddled ingredients to fill the glass.

If you prefer a chilled drink, add ice to the glass.

Finally, add fresh herbs, such as mint or basil, as a garnish for added fragrance and visual appeal.

Enjoy your refreshing beverage!