With just three simple ingredients: frozen limeade, cucumber, and Sprite, it’s easy to make for any occasion. Perfect for BBQs, parties, or just a hot day, this Cucumber Lime Punch drink can be made with or without alcohol!
Growing up, my Aunt made this punch for us all the time. A cold sip of this punch always tastes like nostalgia, and I know you’ll love it too! I recently asked her about the recipe, and it turns out she got it from a neighborhood party back in the 80s, so it’s gotta be good!
Even though it’s a simple punch, she would always change it up and add fun things like Peeps for Easter or chop the cucumbers into different shapes, making it extra special. It’s truly the BEST way to enjoy a hot summer day!
3 ingredients: Just canned frozen limeade, Sprite, and freshly sliced cucumbers are all you need!
Use up cucumbers: Cucumbers tend to grow in abundance during the summer months, and this is a great way to use them up so they don’t go to waste.
Customizable: Add in your favorite fruits or change up the soda used to create a different flavor every time you make it.
Boozy twist: This punch recipe is great on its own, but it also can be made using alcohol for an alcoholic version for adults.
Anyone can whip up a pitcher of this punch because it uses just three simple ingredients that you can find in any grocery store. All together, they create a punch that is tart, refreshing, and has a hint of lemon-lime flavor along with a touch of effervescence that really pulls it all in.
Thinly Sliced Cucumber – Your garden, farmers market, or grocery store will have a fresh abundance of cucumbers in the summer months. Thinly sliced, this veggie adds a unique twist to the punch, adding a hint of refreshing flavor and also making it visually appealing.
Prepare the cucumbers: Wash the cucumbers with cold water, removing any dirt or debris. Cut off each end to remove the root and stem. Use a sharp knife to thinly slice the cucumber.
Add the limeade: Thaw the limeade in the fridge overnight. Pour each can into a large pitcher. Stir in the cucumber slices and place in the fridge for a few hours up to overnight to develop the flavors.
Add soda and serve: Once fully chilled and ready to serve, pour the lemon-lime soda into the mixture and gently stir to combine. Pour over ice in punch glasses and top with more cucumber slices. Enjoy!
To add alcohol, you need to vary the concentration slightly depending on your tastes. Use these instructions as a guideline to make alcoholic cucumber lime punch:
Add 1 to 1 ½ cups of either vodka, gin, or white rum to the thawed limeade and cucumbers. Stir to combine, then chill in the fridge.
When ready to serve, add half of the Sprite, then taste and adjust for strength. Start with half, then add more as needed.
Serve over ice with additional cucumber slices, and enjoy responsibly!
While you only need to chill for a few hours, overnight is best as it allows the flavors time to mash together, creating a refreshing flavor.
Taste the punch before serving and adjust the sweetness or tartness by adding more limeade or Sprite if needed. It’s easier to add more sweetness than to remove it, so start with less and add as you go.
Use firm and fresh cucumbers for this recipe, as ones that are too large and filled with water can get soggy and waterlogged. For best results, use a fresh cucumber for garnish when ready to serve.
To increase the recipe and make a gallon of punch, double or triple the ingredients, tasting as you go. For example, use four cans of thawed limeade, two cucumbers, and two 2-liter bottles of Sprite.
To keep the punch cold, use large ice cubes in the pitcher that take a long time to melt without diluting the punch.
Don’t add the Sprite until you’re ready to serve, as it will lose its carbonation over time while chilling in the fridge.
Use diet soda: To reduce the sugar content, use a diet canned limeade or diet soda instead of the regular versions.
Lemon Lime: Swap one can of limeade for a can of lemonade for even more citrus flavor.
Add fruit: Along with the cucumber, add chopped watermelon, pineapple, or fresh berries to the punch for a pop of flavor and color.
Spicy: For a spicy twist, add in freshly sliced jalapeno and a shake of cayenne pepper.
Add herbs: This punch pairs well with fresh herbs like mint, basil, rosemary, or a combination of all three.
Floral: Adding fresh rose petals or lavender adds a unique floral twist that pairs well with the refreshing flavor.
Tropical: Replace one can of limeade with a can of pineapple juice and add chopped pineapple for a tropical twist.
Sparkling water: Instead of using soda, use your favorite flavored or unflavored sparkling water to change up the flavor and reduce the sugar.
Ginger ale: Instead of Sprite, use ginger ale to create a slightly naturally spiced flavor throughout the punch.
Storing: This punch is best served within 2-3 days. If you’re making it ahead of time, make it without the Sprite and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Freezing: If you have any leftovers, you could turn them into fun summertime popsicles by freezing the punch into molds. You could also pour the mixture into ice cube molds and use to keep water or sparkling water cool with a refreshing flavor.
Can I use fresh lime juice instead of frozen limeade?
While you can use fresh lime juice, keep in mind that the frozen limeade concentrate adds sweetness and consistency to the punch. If using fresh lime juice, adjust the sweetness level by adding sugar or simple syrup.
Should I peel the cucumbers?
This is a personal preference! Some like the sharp green color contrast, while others prefer a smoother look. Either way, the peel of the cucumber will not effect the taste of the punch.
What type of cucumbers are best to use for punch?
Since you probably won’t eat them (but can!), your garden’s fresh variety will work as well as English cucumbers. Whatever you have on hand!
A simple and refreshing summer drink with only 3 ingredients! The mix of cucumber and lime is a perfect pair. This is always a huge hit and a great base to make an easy cocktail.
2 cans frozen Lime Ade (thawed)
1 Cucumber, peeled and sliced thin
1 (2 liter) of Sprite or 7-up
1. Pour the 2 cans of thawed LimeAde into a large pitcher. Add the cucumber slices and stir together. Let the mixture sit for at least a few hours before serving or overnight is even better.
2. Add the whole 2 liter bottle of Sprite or 7-up to the pitcher. Stir all together.
3. Serve over ice with more slices of cucumber.
**Add vodka or rum for a refreshing summer cocktail!
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