This CAVA Cucumber Mint Lime Drink Recipe is my personal go-to whenever I’m craving something cold, crisp, and actually refreshing — not sugary, not heavy, just clean flavor that wakes everything up.
Every time I visit CAVA, this is the drink I automatically reach for to pair with my bowl, and honestly, it feels like the unsung hero of the menu.
The mix of cooling cucumber, bright citrus, and fresh mint just hits differently, especially when you want something that hydrates and refreshes at the same time.
What I love most about this cucumber mint lime drink is how simple the ingredients are, yet the flavor tastes layered and almost spa-like. Today, I’m recreating the copycat of cucumber mint lime drink for my house party.
It’s light enough to sip anytime but flavorful enough to feel special, which makes this homemade version of the CAVA drink recipe such a win.
You can serve it ice-cold alongside grilled meals or Mediterranean dishes for the most refreshing combo. You’ll also love pouring it into a tall glass for a mid-day cool-down that feels instantly revitalizing.
Why This Copycat CAVA Cucumber Mint Lime Drink is Better Than Restaurant Version?
CAVA keeps their exact recipe under wraps, but after ordering this drink more times than I can count, I know the flavor well. Making it at home lets me focus on freshness, not speed, and that difference shows in every sip.
I use freshly squeezed Sunkist lemons or the bagged organic ones from Trader Joe’s because they’re bright and juicy. English cucumbers are sweeter and less bitter, and real mint leaves — never syrup — give that clean, cooling finish.
For sweetness, I reach for mild clover honey, though local wildflower honey adds a light floral note. You control the tartness, sweetness, and strength, with no syrups or preservatives — just real ingredients tasting crisp and naturally refreshing.
Perfect For
- When it’s hot and plain water just isn’t cutting it
- Backyard BBQs where you want something lighter than soda
- Brunch spreads with fruit, eggs, and pastries
- Family get-togethers where everyone needs a non-alcoholic option
- Post-workout cool-down that feels refreshing, not sugary
- Pool days when you want a big pitcher everyone will grab
- Casual hangouts with friends where you still want something a little special
CAVA Cucumber Mint Lime Ingredients
Okay, you probably thinking what is in CAVA cucumber mint drink that increase the taste so amazing. There are not any special ingredients at all. You will get all these ingredients at home.
2 cups fresh-squeezed lemon juice
Fresh is non-negotiable here. Bottled juice tastes flat and slightly bitter. Roll lemons on the counter before juicing to release more liquid. If you must substitute, use high-quality refrigerated lemon juice, not shelf-stable.
2 English cucumbers, chopped
English cucumbers are key — they’re less bitter and have tiny, soft seeds. No peeling needed. Regular cucumbers work in a pinch, but scoop out large seeds first.
1 ½ cups fresh mint leaves
Use spearmint for the classic cooling flavor. Pack loosely — you want leaves, not stems. Slightly slap the mint before blending to wake up the oils.
¾ cup honey
Honey gives smooth sweetness with depth. Clover honey keeps the flavor neutral; wildflower adds a floral note. You can swap for agave (use ½ cup) if preferred.
4 cups filtered water
This dilutes the concentrate into a drinkable refresher. Filtered water keeps the taste clean — tap water minerals can dull the brightness.
Ice, for serving
Big cubes melt slower, so your drink doesn’t water down too fast.
How To Make CAVA Cucumber Mint Lime Drink
Step 1 | Prep the Fresh Ingredients
Juice enough lemons to get exactly two cups — strain out seeds but keep pulp for flavor. Chop cucumbers into chunks so your blender doesn’t struggle. Measure mint loosely, and warm honey slightly if it’s thick. Room-temp honey blends faster.
Step 2 | Blend the Flavor Base
Add lemon juice, cucumbers, mint, and honey into the blender. Blend on high for about 30 seconds. You want the mint fully broken down and the cucumbers liquified — the mixture should look bright green and smell insanely fresh. Don’t under-blend or you’ll miss flavor.
Step 3 | Strain Until Smooth
Place a fine mesh strainer over a large bowl or measuring cup. Pour the blended mixture slowly. Use the back of a spoon to press out all that liquid gold. You’ll be left with a fragrant, smooth concentrate. Press firmly — that pulp holds flavor.
Step 4 | Dilute to Balance
Transfer the strained concentrate to a pitcher. Add four cups of filtered water. Stir gently until fully combined. Taste and adjust — add a splash more water if it feels strong or a drizzle of honey if your lemons were extra tart.
Step 5 | Chill and Serve
Refrigerate until cold, at least one hour. Fill glasses with ice and pour over. The drink should taste crisp, cool, lightly sweet, and bright. Garnish with cucumber ribbons or a mint sprig if you’re feeling fancy.
My Expert Tips & Notes for Perfect CAVA Cucumber Mint Lime
- Blend longer than you think — I usually run my blender for at least 30–40 seconds to fully break down cucumber and mint. It makes the flavor pop so much more.
- Strain twice for ultra-smooth texture — Using a fine mesh strainer once is good, but a second pass ensures no mint bits or cucumber pulp sneak in, giving that restaurant-style finish.
- Chill before serving — Letting the drink sit in the fridge for at least an hour lets the flavors marry and the lemon sharpness mellow, giving a more balanced taste.
- Taste before diluting fully — Lemons vary in tartness. Start with less water, then adjust until it hits your perfect balance of bright and refreshing.
- Don’t skip English cucumbers — I’ve tried regular ones, and the bitterness can overwhelm. English cucumbers are naturally sweet, crunchy, and ideal for this drink.
- Fresh mint only — Dried mint doesn’t release the same oils and flavor. I always lightly slap the leaves first to wake up their aroma before blending.
Make Ahead and Store for Party or Small Gathering
This Cucumber mint like drink just like CAVA restaurant actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours. The mint softens, the cucumber settles in, and the lemon sharpness smooths out. It becomes rounder and more refreshing.
Store in a sealed pitcher or jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. After that, the mint flavor fades and the lemon can turn slightly bitter. Always stir before serving since natural separation happens.
Freezing isn’t ideal — cucumber and mint lose their fresh taste once thawed.
If you want to prep ahead, make the concentrate and add water the day you serve. Keep it cold and always use clean utensils when pouring for food safety.
What To Serve with This CAVA Cucumber Mint Lime Drink
I love pairing this drink with grilled chicken skewers seasoned with lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs. The citrus in the drink mirrors the marinade perfectly, and the cucumber’s cooling notes balance the smoky char.
For me, it’s like bringing a little Mediterranean café vibe to my backyard, and you can do the same for a casual dinner or weekend BBQ.
A fresh watermelon and feta salad is another favorite of mine alongside this drink.
The sweet, juicy watermelon and salty feta play beautifully with the minty citrus, creating a light, refreshing, and hydrating combo that feels like summer in a bowl. Your friends and family will love how bright and vibrant it tastes.
I also enjoy hummus with warm, soft pita on the side. The creamy chickpeas mellow the tartness of the lemonade, while cucumber and mint cut through richness for a perfectly balanced bite. Serve this combo at brunch or a relaxed afternoon gathering.
Drink Variations
Sparkling Version
Replace half the water with chilled sparkling water just before serving. It becomes bubbly, extra refreshing, and slightly lighter on the palate, like a natural soda without added sugar or artificial flavors.
Ginger Boost
Add a one-inch piece of fresh ginger to the blender. It adds warmth and a subtle spicy finish that contrasts beautifully with the cooling mint and cucumber flavors.
Berry Mint Twist
Blend in a handful of strawberries or raspberries. The drink turns blush-colored with a fruity note that plays nicely with citrus and honey sweetness.
Herbal Upgrade
Add a few basil leaves along with mint for a layered herbal profile that feels gourmet and complex while still refreshing.
FAQs
Can I use lime instead of lemon?
Lime works well and adds a sharper, slightly tangy flavor. You can do all lime for a punchy twist, or mix half lime and half lemon to keep the brightness balanced.
Why strain if everything is blended?
Straining removes cucumber pulp and mint bits, giving a silky, smooth texture that feels professional. It also helps the drink stay visually appealing and prevents leafy bits from overpowering each sip.
Is this very sweet?
No, it’s naturally lightly sweet with honey. You can adjust to taste — less honey for a tart refreshment, or a bit more if your lemons are extra sour.
Can I make this sugar-free?
Yes, try monk fruit syrup or stevia. Keep in mind honey adds body and subtle floral notes that artificial sweeteners can’t fully replicate, so the flavor might feel slightly different.
How do I keep mint from turning bitter?
Always use fresh mint and lightly bruise the leaves before blending. Store the drink up to three days in the fridge to prevent bitterness from developing.
Can I make this ahead for a party?
Yes, make the concentrate a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. Dilute with water and add ice just before serving to preserve freshness and bright flavor.
Can I use regular cucumbers?
You can, but peel and deseed to reduce bitterness. English cucumbers are ideal for smooth flavor and a naturally sweet, crisp texture that blends perfectly.
CAVA Cucumber Mint Lime Drink Recipe (Exact Copycat and Refreshing)
This CAVA Cucumber Mint Lime Drink Recipe is my favorite go-to for a fresh, crisp, and naturally sweet refresher. Inspired by the iconic drink at CAVA, it blends cucumber, mint, and lemon for that bright, spa-like flavor. I love making this Cucumber mint lime from CAVA at home because it tastes cleaner than the restaurant version and lets me adjust sweetness and tartness perfectly. You can serve it ice-cold with grilled dishes, brunch plates, or a relaxing afternoon treat for friends and family.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh-squeezed lemon juice
- 2 English cucumbers, chopped (English cucumbers are used because they do not have large seeds)
- 1 ½ cups fresh mint leaves
- ¾ cup honey
- 4 cups filtered water (for dilution after straining)
- Ice, for serving
Instructions
- Fresh lemons are squeezed until exactly two cups of juice are measured. English cucumbers are chopped into chunks to allow easy blending, and fresh mint leaves are measured loosely to reach one and a half cups. Honey is measured precisely to maintain balance between sweetness and acidity.
- The fresh lemon juice, chopped cucumbers, mint leaves, and honey are added directly into a blender. The lid is secured, and the mixture is blended for about 30 seconds until fully pulverized. The goal is to completely break down the cucumbers and mint to extract as much flavor as possible.
- A fine mesh strainer is placed over a large spouted cup or bowl. The blended mixture is slowly poured through the strainer. The cucumber pulp and mint solids remain in the strainer, while a bright, smooth, and fragrant lemonade concentrate drips through into the container below.
- The strained liquid is transferred into a pitcher. Four cups of filtered water are added to dilute the concentrate, creating a balanced and refreshing drink. The mixture is stirred gently until fully combined. This is the form used for refrigeration and storage.
- The pitcher is stored in the refrigerator until cold. To serve, a glass is filled with ice and the chilled cucumber mint lemonade is poured over the top. The result is a clean, refreshing drink with crisp cucumber, cooling mint, and bright lemon flavor.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size:
1 cup (8 oz)Amount Per Serving: Calories: 70
Making this CAVA Cucumber Mint Lime Drink Recipe at home is such a simple way to enjoy that bright, refreshing flavor anytime. This copycat CAVA cucumber mint lime beverage captures the crisp cucumber, cooling mint, and zesty citrus perfectly, and you can adjust sweetness just the way you like it. I love keeping a pitcher in the fridge for family meals or weekend hangouts with friends.
