As I set out to recreate CAVA’s cucumber mint lime drink, I started with a base of lime juice, almost like making a classic limeade. At first, I blended cucumber juice, lime juice, and a bit of simple syrup. It was good, but honestly, it just tasted like limeade. It was nothing memorable.
Then I came across a tip that suggested enhancing limeade with lime zest and a splash of lemon juice. That tip was golden. Those two small additions completely transformed my simple drink into something bright, layered, and refreshing, and more importantly, just like the version I love at CAVA.
This homemade cucumber mint lime juice drink recipe has that exact light, crisp, and not overly sweet flavor. It’s also incredibly easy to customize, can be served non-alcoholic or as a cocktail, and is also make-ahead friendly, making it a total crowd-pleaser for any warm day. Not to mention, making your own is way more cost-effective than buying at the store.
Cava Cucumber Mint Lime Ingredients
To make this copycat CAVA cucumber mint limeade, you only need a few simple, fresh ingredients you probably already have in your fridge/pantry. You’ll find the full list in the recipe card below, but here are a few helpful notes from my testing:
For the Mint Simple Syrup
Sweetener: Traditionally, simple syrup uses equal parts sugar and water. I like to use honey (or agave syrup) instead, inspired by my Honey Simple Syrup recipe, to keep the drink naturally sweetened. Both options work beautifully.
Mint: Any fresh mint you grow or can find in your local supermarket will do. Peppermint or spearmint are both great choices.
For the Drink
Cucumbers: I prefer Persian cucumbers for their crisp, sweet taste, but English cucumbers are a great substitute. Peeling is optional, but if you keep the skin on, give it a taste first to make sure it’s not bitter, since older cucumber skins can sometimes be tough and a bit bitter.
Lime and Lemon Juice & Zest: Freshly squeezed juice is best for a bright, clean taste. Bottled juice works in a pinch, but if you can, squeeze your own. When I was testing this recipe, I noticed that using only the juice didn’t quite capture the citrusy kick that makes CAVA’s version so refreshing.
That’s when I decided to add the zest of both lime and lemon. It turned out to be the missing piece, bringing the drink much closer to the one I first enjoyed at CAVA.
Ice: Cubed or crushed ice keeps the drink cold and refreshing.
For the Garnishes
This is where you can have some fun. Add cucumber slices, sliced lime, or fresh mint sprigs for a pretty, restaurant-style touch.
How To Make Cucumber Mint Limeade?
Although it may seem like a lot of steps, making this refreshing drink is actually quite simple. Just follow the easy steps below:
Step 1 – Make the mint simple syrup: To keep my drink naturally sweetened, I am making a batch of my honey syrup recipe. That being said, you can make it with regular simple syrup by using 3/4 cup of granulated sugar and 3/4 cup of water, following the same steps.
If you are following in my footsteps, combine honey (or sugar) and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the honey fully dissolves. Refrain from boiling honey, as exposure to high heat can potentially degrade the nutritional value and natural flavors of your honey.
Remove from the heat and stir in the mint leaves, ensuring they are fully submerged. Let them steep for 15-20 minutes, then strain and set aside to cool.
Step 2- Puree the cucumbers: Cut the peeled cucumbers into small chunks and transfer them into a food processor or high-powered blender and blend until smooth and lightly pureed.
Step 3- Strain the juice: Pour it into a fine-mesh strainer set over a bowl (or a nut milk bag would also work). Use the back of a spoon or spatula to press out as much of the juice as possible. In the end, you should get about ½ cup of cucumber juice.
Step 4 – Mix the drink: Grab a large pitcher and pour in all the prepared ingredients, starting with cucumber juice, lime and lemon zests and juices, now-cooled mint simple syrup, and 2 cups of cold water. Give it a good stir to ensure everything is thoroughly mixed.
Step 5 – Chill & Serve: Cover and refrigerate for an hour or two to allow the flavors to blend together. When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice and pour the drink over it. Garnish it with a sprig of fresh mint and your other preferred garnishes.
How To Make Ahead and Store?
One of the best parts about this cucumber mint limeade is how easy it is to prepare ahead of time. It’s perfect for entertaining or for keeping a refreshing drink ready in the fridge all week.
Make Ahead: The mint simple syrup can be made 1-2 days in advance and stored in an airtight jar or bottle in the refrigerator.
If you’d rather mix the whole drink ahead, you can prepare it a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Storage: Store the finished drink in a sealed pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
It’s normal for the liquid to separate as it sits. Just give it a good stir before pouring.
Freezing for Later:
A fun option is to freeze the cucumber mint limeade in ice cube trays. Once frozen, drop the cubes into a glass of water or sparkling water for a light, refreshing sip without making a whole batch.
I like using silicone ice cube molds (affiliate) so the cubes pop out easily.
Expert Tips:
Adjust sweetness to your liking: If you’ve ever made lemonade or limeade, you know that not all lemons and limes taste the same. Some are sweeter while others can be quite tart. I find that about ¾ cup of simple syrup is just right for this cucumber mint drink, but you can easily adjust it according to your taste buds. If it tastes too strong, add a bit more water. If you’d like it sweeter, stir in a touch more syrup until it’s just right for you.
Freshly squeezed juice is best: Fresh limes and lemons make all the difference in this mint and cucumber drink. While bottled juice is a convenient shortcut, it often tastes flat or even slightly bitter. If you can, take the extra few minutes to squeeze your own; it gives the drink a much brighter, cleaner taste.
Don’t skip the straining: It may feel like an extra step, but straining makes a big difference. For a smooth, pulp-free cucumber drink, be sure to strain the mixture before serving. It keeps the drink light, clean, and refreshing.
Chill thoroughly: For the best taste, let the cucumber mint refresher chill in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours before serving. This gives the flavors time to meld together. If you’re short on time, you can cut the chilling time by starting with cold ingredients, like refrigerated cucumbers and citrus.
Don’t forget the garnishes: A few simple garnishes can take this beverage from everyday to eye-catching. Add lime slices, sliced cucumber, and a sprig of mint (though be sure to remove the woody stems) to make it look as refreshing as it tastes. For the prettiest presentation, serve it in a clear glass or pitcher over ice; it’s an instant crowd-pleaser.
Variations
One of the best parts about this cucumber mint drink recipe is how easy it is to customize. With just a few simple swaps or additions, you can make it fit any occasion, like serving it to kids on a hot afternoon or mixing it up for friends at happy hour.
Add Sparkling water: For a bubbly twist, replace some or all of the water with sparkling water. You can even use lightly flavored sparkling water (like Bubly or Spindrift) that you enjoy. It adds a refreshing fizz and makes the drink feel extra special.
Turn it into agua fresca: For a lighter taste, similar to a cucumber mint agua fresca, use less citrus and more water.
Make it a cocktail: This limeade is the perfect base for gin, vodka, or even white rum. Add a splash over ice for a refreshing adult beverage.
Add some ginger: If you enjoy a little spice, try steeping a few slices of fresh ginger in the mint simple syrup. It adds a subtle warmth and zing that balances beautifully with the cool cucumber and bright citrus.
What to Serve It With
This cucumber mint lime CAVA recipe is honestly one of those drinks that just goes with everything. It’s light, refreshing, and makes whatever you’re eating taste even better. But if I had to pick my favorites, these are the times I always want a glass in my hand:
- With my copycat CAVA bowl: The ultimate beverage to complete your homemade CAVA bowl experience. You’ll feel like you’ve brought the whole restaurant experience right into your kitchen.
- To accompany your mezze platters: CAVA’s cucumber mint lime drink is the perfect accompaniment to mezze spreads set up with Mediterranean Hummus, Baba Ghanoush, CAVA’s famous feta dip, and Muhammara Dip served with Pita or Lavash.
- Next to grilled meats & vegetables: My go-to move is to make a large pitcher and keep it chilled in a cooler for an easy, refreshing drink that everyone will love. It goes perfectly with many of my Mediterranean-inspired meals like Harissa Grilled Chicken, Rack of Lamb, or Beef Babobs.
- With fresh salads: Any of my Mediterranean salads, whether it is Greek Cucumber Salad, Cucumber Mozzarella Tomato Salad, or Turkish Shepherd Salad.
FAQs
Yes, you can. However, please keep in mind that freshly squeezed juice will be better in terms of flavor.
Peeling is optional, but here’s a little trick: if you decide to keep the skin on, give it a taste first. Older cucumber skins can sometimes be a little bitter, and I wouldn’t recommend that for this drink.
As long as it is kept in an airtight container in the fridge, this drink will taste fresh for up to 5 days. You may notice some natural separation, which is completely normal. Just give it a quick stir before pouring, and it should be good to go.
Absolutely! This limeade is the perfect base for a summer cocktail. It pairs wonderfully with a splash of white rum, gin, or even vodka. You can just add a shot or two over ice, and you’ve got a fantastic new happy hour drink ready to go!
Similar Drink Recipes You Might Like
If you’re as obsessed with this CAVA drink as I am, you’ll love these other refreshing recipes from the archives:
- If you are in search of the most refreshing summer drink on a hot day, look no further than my Strawberry Basil Mocktail. Made in just a few minutes with strawberries and fresh basil, it’s such a nice twist to the classic version.
- Elevate your lemonade game with my go-to Rosemary Lemonade Recipe, made from scratch with a unique hint of vanilla.
- Inspired by a trip to Dominica, my honey-sweetened Iced Ginger Tea is a true summer treat for any ginger lover.
Photos by Tanya Pilgrim.
CAVA Copycat Cucumber Mint Lime Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
For the simple syrup:
- ⅔ cup honey, or sugar
- ⅔ cup water
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves, rinsed and picked over – plus more as garnish (15 g)
For the drink:
- 6 Persian cucumbers, peeled and cut into chunks or 2 English cucumber (peeled), plus more as garnish
- Zest of 1 lime , 1g – about 1 tsp
- Zest of 1 lemon , 1g – about 1 tsp
- 1 ½ cups fresh lime juice, about 10-12 medium-sized limes
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice, about 5 medium-sized lemons
- 2 cups water
As Garnish:
- 1 lime, sliced
- Ice, for serving
Instructions
- Make the Mint Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine honey (or sugar) and water. Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the honey dissolves completely. Remove from the heat and stir in the mint leaves. Make sure they're fully submerged. Let steep for 20 minutes, then strain and set the syrup aside to cool.
- Juice the Cucumbers: Place peeled cucumbers in a food processor and blend until smooth. Set a fine mesh sieve or colander over a bowl and pour in the puree. Use a spoon or spatula to press out as much juice as possible. You should get about ½ cup of cucumber juice.
- Mix the Drink: In a large pitcher, combine the cucumber juice, lime zest, lemon zest, lime juice, lemon juice, and the cooled mint syrup. Add 2 cups of water and stir well.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to blend together.
- Serve: When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice, cucumber slices, and lime slices. Pour the drink over the ice and garnish with fresh mint.
Notes
- Yields: This recipe makes about 6 to 7 cups of limeade, ideal for serving 6 people. The nutritional values below are per serving.
- Simple syrup: I made a honey simple syrup to keep my drink naturally sweetened, but you can make a regular simple syrup by mixing an equal amount of granulated sugar with water (1 to 1 ratio). Do not skip this step, otherwise the sugar will not dissolve in the drink.
- Taste and adjust: Not all lemons and limes are created equal. Some can be sweet, some can be too tart. Once you mix all the ingredients, be sure to give it a taste and adjust with more water or syrup.
- Storage: Store leftovers in a bottle or jar with a tight fitting lid for upto 3-4 days. Be sure to give it a good shake before serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
