Diana Water is my go-to summer refresher, a beautiful blend of cucumber, lemon, lime, and fresh mint that tastes like a spa day in a glass. It's naturally sweetened with a touch of honey and sparkling water for a gentle fizz.
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I created this recipe after a trip to a Mediterranean resort where the poolside drink was simply called 'Diana Water'—a tribute to the goddess of the hunt and moon. It was so light and revitalizing that I knew I had to recreate it at home.
What I love most is how customizable it is. You can make it as a pitcher for a party or a single glass for a quiet afternoon. It's zero-effort, zero-cook, and endlessly refreshing.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
About the Ingredients
4 cups (960ml) cold water
Use filtered water for the cleanest taste. You can substitute sparkling water for a fizzy twist.
1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
English cucumber has fewer seeds and a milder flavor. Regular cucumber works too—just peel it if the skin is thick.
1 lemon, thinly sliced
Choose a firm, heavy lemon for more juice. If you prefer less tartness, use half a lemon.
1 lime, thinly sliced
Limes add a bright, zesty note. No lime? Use an extra lemon or a splash of bottled lime juice.
10 fresh mint leaves, plus extra for garnish
Fresh spearmint is best. If you only have dried mint, use 1 teaspoon, but fresh is far superior.
1-2 tablespoons honey, to taste
Honey dissolves easily in cold water if you stir well. Agave syrup or maple syrup are great vegan alternatives.
1 cup (240ml) sparkling water (optional)
For a fizzy version, replace 1 cup of the still water with sparkling water. Add it just before serving to keep the bubbles.
Ice cubes
Use plenty of ice to keep the drink cold. You can also freeze some cucumber slices for decorative ice cubes.
Tips & Tricks
Don't skip the muddling
Gently pressing the mint and citrus releases their oils, making the drink more aromatic. But don't overdo it or the mint will turn bitter.
Adjust sweetness to your taste
Start with 1 tablespoon of honey, taste, and add more if needed. The amount depends on your citrus and personal preference.
Let it chill
For the best flavor, let the mixture sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) before serving. This allows the flavors to meld.
Pro Tips
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Muddle the mint
In a large pitcher, add the mint leaves and 1 tablespoon of honey. Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to gently press the mint 2-3 times to release its oils.
2. Add the citrus
Add the cucumber, lemon, and lime slices to the pitcher. Gently stir to combine with the mint.
3. Pour in the water
Add the cold water (and sparkling water if using) and stir well until the honey dissolves. Taste and add more honey if desired.
4. Chill the mixture
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse. For a stronger flavor, let it sit up to 4 hours.
5. Serve over ice
Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the Diana Water over the ice. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a cucumber slice.
6. Enjoy immediately
Serve cold. The drink is best enjoyed fresh, but you can keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours (remove the citrus after 4 hours to avoid bitterness).
Delicious Variations
Berry Blast
Add 1/2 cup of fresh strawberries or raspberries, muddled with the mint for a fruity twist.
Spicy Kick
Add a few thin slices of jalapeño or ginger for a refreshing heat.
Green Tea Infusion
Replace 1 cup of water with cooled green tea for an antioxidant boost.
How to Store Diana Water
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight pitcher in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Remove the citrus slices after 4 hours to prevent bitterness.
Freezer
Freeze the mixture (without sparkling water) in ice cube trays for up to 3 months. Thaw and add sparkling water when ready to serve.
Reheating
Not applicable—this is served cold. If frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Diana Water?
Diana Water is a refreshing infused water drink made with cucumber, lemon, lime, and mint. It's named after the Roman goddess Diana and is known for its hydrating and detoxifying properties.
Q: Can I use sparkling water instead of still water?
Yes, you can replace all or part of the still water with sparkling water for a fizzy version. Add it just before serving to keep the carbonation.
Q: How long does Diana Water last in the fridge?
It's best consumed within 24 hours. After that, the citrus can become bitter. Remove the fruit after 4 hours to extend freshness.
Q: Can I make Diana Water without honey?
Absolutely. You can skip the honey for a sugar-free version, or use a sugar substitute like stevia or agave syrup. The drink is still delicious without sweetener.
Q: Is Diana Water good for weight loss?
Yes, it's a low-calorie, hydrating beverage that can help you feel full and reduce cravings for sugary drinks. It's a healthy alternative to soda.
Ready to quench your thirst? Whip up a pitcher of Diana Water today and let me know in the comments how you made it your own!
Diana Water
Diana Water is a refreshing, hydrating citrus-mint drink that boosts your energy and cools you down in minutes.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 cups (960ml) cold water
- 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 1 lime, thinly sliced
- 10 fresh mint leaves, plus extra for garnish
- 1-2 tablespoons honey, to taste
- 1 cup (240ml) sparkling water (optional)
- Ice cubes
📋 Instructions
- 1Muddle the mint — In a large pitcher, add the mint leaves and 1 tablespoon of honey. Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to gently press the mint 2-3 times to release its oils.
- 2Add the citrus — Add the cucumber, lemon, and lime slices to the pitcher. Gently stir to combine with the mint.
- 3Pour in the water — Add the cold water (and sparkling water if using) and stir well until the honey dissolves. Taste and add more honey if desired.
- 4Chill the mixture — Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse. For a stronger flavor, let it sit up to 4 hours.
- 5Serve over ice — Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the Diana Water over the ice. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a cucumber slice.
- 6Enjoy immediately — Serve cold. The drink is best enjoyed fresh, but you can keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours (remove the citrus after 4 hours to avoid bitterness).
