Ingredients :

• The cucumber — Choose a firm one, without soft spots. Leave the skin on if it’s organic — it gives more flavor and a bright green color to the water. Otherwise, peel it partially in strips for the look. Avoid large, watery supermarket cucumbers in winter; they have almost no taste.
• The lemon — Untreated/organic is preferred if you leave the skin on, which I recommend. The zest contains essential oils that scent the water much more intensely than the juice alone. Squeeze each slice slightly after cutting to release a little juice directly into the pitcher. Use two lemons if you want more of a kick.
• Fresh mint — Optional but highly recommended. A small handful of leaves bruised between your palms before adding them — you release the essential oils and the aroma changes completely. It smells almost like a garden after the rain.
• Honey — Only if you like a slightly sweet base. Dilute it first in a bit of lukewarm water before incorporating it, otherwise it stays stuck in a lump at the bottom of the pitcher. One tablespoon is enough for a liter.