Flavored Cucumber Blueberry Infused Water

If you ask me, infused water is one of the best ways to stay hydrated.

This refreshing cucumber and blueberry combination takes plain water to a whole new level. The cool, fresh taste of cucumber mingles with sweet berries to create a drink that’s both tasty and good for you.

It’s so simple to make – just slice up some cucumbers, toss in fresh blueberries, and let the flavors work their magic in cold water. The natural sweetness from the fruit means you don’t need any added sugar.

It’s a perfect drink for hot summer days, and 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 often your best bet since they have thinner skin and fewer seeds than regular cucumbers. Regular slicing cucumbers from the grocery store work just fine too – just make sure to wash them well since their skin is usually waxed. If you’re using a regular cucumber, you might want to peel it first to avoid any bitter taste from the skin. The most important thing is to pick a cucumber that’s firm and bright green, without any soft spots or yellowing, since these will give you the freshest, cleanest taste in your water.

Options for Substitutions

This refreshing infused water recipe is super adaptable! Here are some easy swaps you can try:

• Blueberries: Out of blueberries? Try other berries like strawberries (sliced), raspberries, or blackberries. You can even use frozen berries – they’ll help keep your drink cool too!
• Cucumber: Cucumber adds a light, fresh taste, but you can swap it with other cooling ingredients like sliced lemon, lime, or even melon. If using citrus, use about 2-3 slices to avoid overwhelming the drink.
• Water: Regular water works great, but you can also use sparkling water for a bubbly twist. If using sparkling water, add the fruit just before serving to maintain the fizz.
• Additional options: Feel free to add fresh mint leaves, a few slices of ginger, or even a splash of coconut water to create your own unique blend.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest mistake when making infused water is using warm or room temperature water, which can make your cucumbers and blueberries break down too quickly and create a mushy mess – always start with properly chilled water for the crispest, cleanest taste.

Another common error is crushing or cutting the blueberries, which can make your water cloudy and overly sweet – instead, add them whole and let them naturally release their subtle flavor.

When slicing your cucumber, aim for thin, uniform pieces (but not paper-thin) to ensure consistent flavor distribution, and remember to remove the infused fruits and vegetables after 4 hours to prevent any bitter tastes from developing.

For the freshest taste, make smaller batches rather than large quantities, and if you’re planning to keep it longer than a day, strain out the produce after the initial infusion period.

What to Serve With Infused Water?

This refreshing cucumber blueberry water pairs perfectly with light summer meals and snacks! Since it’s such a clean and fresh drink, try serving it alongside a crisp Mediterranean mezze platter with hummus, fresh veggies, and pita bread. For brunch gatherings, this infused water makes a great non-alcoholic option next to pastries, fruit salads, or avocado toast. If you’re serving it at a party or get-together, set up a little garnish station with extra cucumber slices, mint leaves, and fresh blueberries so guests can customize their drinks.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: Your cucumber blueberry infused water tastes best when enjoyed within 24 hours. Keep it in the refrigerator in a sealed pitcher or mason jar to maintain its fresh taste. After 24 hours, the fruit and cucumber might start making the water taste a bit too strong.

Prep Ahead: Want to have this refreshing drink ready to go? Slice your cucumbers and wash your blueberries in advance, then store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. When you’re ready for a drink, just add them to fresh water – they’ll keep well for about 3-4 days this way.

Strain: If you’ve had your infused water sitting for a while, simply strain out the fruit and cucumber before drinking. This helps remove any floating bits and gives you a smoother sip. You can even use the strained fruit to make a second, lighter batch!

Preparation Time	5-10 minutes
Cooking Time	0 minutes
Total Time	15-30 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: 7-9 g

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
• 1/4 cucumber (thinly sliced, about 1/8-inch thick)
• 8 oz water (filtered for best taste)

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by slicing the cucumber thinly.

This will help to infuse the water with more flavor.

Gather some fresh blueberries as well.

Step 2: Assemble the Infused Water

Place the sliced cucumber and a handful of blueberries into a water glass.

Make sure the glass is large enough to hold all the ingredients and water comfortably.

Step 3: Add Water and Infuse

Pour 8 ounces of cold water into the glass over the cucumber slices and blueberries.

Allow the ingredients to sit and infuse in the water for 15 to 30 minutes.

The longer you let them sit, the stronger the flavor will become.

Step 4: Enjoy Your Infused Water

Once the desired flavor strength is reached, enjoy your refreshing cucumber and blueberry-infused water.

Optionally, you can eat the fruit after it has been sitting in the water, as it will become plump and flavorful.

If you choose not to eat the fruit, the water will have virtually zero calories, making for a light and hydrating option.