This refreshing infused water combines cucumber, lemon, ginger, garlic, and fresh herbs for a light, flavorful drink that can be enjoyed throughout the day. It’s an easy way to increase your fluid intake without adding sugar.
Ingredients
1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
1 lemon, thinly sliced
1 small piece fresh ginger, about 1–2 inches, thinly sliced
1–2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced or lightly crushed
A small handful of fresh mint or parsley
1½–2 liters (6–8 cups) cold drinking water
Ice, optional
Instructions
Wash the ingredients thoroughly, especially the cucumber, lemon, ginger, and herbs.
Slice the cucumber and lemon into thin rounds.
Peel and thinly slice the ginger.
Peel the garlic and lightly crush it with the side of a knife.
Add the cucumber, lemon, ginger, garlic, and fresh herbs to a large glass jar or pitcher.
Pour in the cold water.
Cover and refrigerate for 2–4 hours to allow the flavors to infuse. For a stronger flavor, refrigerate overnight.
Serve chilled, with ice if desired.
For food safety and best quality, keep refrigerated and consume within 24 hours. Discard if it develops an unusual smell, appearance, or taste.
How to Use It
Enjoy a glass with meals or throughout the day as a refreshing alternative to sugary drinks. You can refill the pitcher once with additional water, although the flavor will become milder.
Optional Variations
More citrus: Add lime or orange slices.
More refreshing: Increase the amount of mint.
Less garlic flavor: Use just one small clove or leave garlic out.
Milder version: Omit the ginger and garlic and make cucumber-lemon-mint water.
Does It Clean Your Blood Vessels?
Despite claims circulating online, this drink has not been proven to clean or unclog blood vessels in 10 days. Your body already has organs that process and remove waste, and established cardiovascular-health measures—such as managing blood pressure and cholesterol, not smoking, exercising regularly, and eating a balanced diet—are much more important.
If you have high blood pressure or take blood-pressure medication, don’t use this drink as a substitute for prescribed treatment.
Recipe Card
Recipe: Lemon, Cucumber, Ginger & Garlic Infused Water
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Infusion Time: 2–4 hours
Total Time: About 4 hours
Yield: 6–8 cups
Category: Drinks
Cuisine: American / International
Best Served: Chilled
Nutrition: Nutritional values vary depending on how much of the fruit, vegetables, and herbs are actually consumed rather than simply infused.
