Peach Cucumber Thyme Water: Easy Infused Water Recipe

Peach cucumber thyme water is chilled water infused with peach, cucumber and thyme that takes 2 hours 10 minutes, including chilling, and makes about 1 liter (4 servings).

For another combination, try the ai infused water generator.

What is peach cucumber thyme water?

Peach cucumber thyme water is a lightly flavored infusion: sliced produce and fresh herbs steep in cold water rather than being blended or juiced. The result is subtler than juice, with a fruity aroma and a cool, herbal finish.

It is one way to use ripe peaches in a pitcher. For more ideas using peaches and similar fruit, see these stone fruit infused water recipes.

What ingredients and ratio do you need?

Use approximately 1 cup of sliced peach, 1½ cups of sliced cucumber and 2 thyme sprigs per 1 liter of water. The amounts are flexible, but this ratio keeps the thyme from dominating the fruit.

Ingredients for about 4 servings:

1 liter water (about 4¼ US cups)
150 g sliced peach (about 1 cup), pit removed
150 g sliced cucumber (about 1½ cups)
2 fresh thyme sprigs (about 5 g; roughly ⅛ cup or 2 tablespoons loosely packed, including stems)

Choose a ripe, fragrant peach for more flavor. The cucumber can stay unpeeled if its skin is clean; peeling it gives the pitcher a milder flavor and appearance.

Time: 10 minutes preparation, plus 2 hours refrigerated steeping. Yield: about 1 liter, or 4 servings of approximately 250 ml (about 1 cup) each.

How do you make peach cucumber thyme water?

Wash the peach, cucumber and thyme under running water. Rub the peach and cucumber gently, and rinse the thyme carefully to remove any grit.
Slice the peach and discard the pit. Cut the cucumber into thin rounds; leave the peel on or remove it as you prefer.
Add the peach, cucumber and thyme to a clean pitcher. Press the thyme sprigs gently between your fingers first if you want a more noticeable herbal aroma.
Pour the water into the pitcher, cover and refrigerate for 2 hours. For a stronger infusion, leave it in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours.
Serve the water chilled, with or without the fruit and cucumber pieces. Strain out the thyme if you prefer a clearer drink.

Keep the slices relatively thin so their cut surfaces contact the water. Avoid crushing the peach if you want a clear infusion; crushing it can release pulp as well as flavor.

Why do peach, cucumber and thyme pair well?

Peach adds a soft sweetness and aroma, while cucumber makes the flavor taste crisp and fresh. Thyme brings a savory, herbal note that balances the fruit without requiring a sweetener. The individual ingredients also work in simpler infusions such as peach infused water, cucumber water and thyme water.

The main benefit of peach cucumber thyme water is hydration. Its exact nutrient content is unknown: some flavor and soluble compounds may move into the water, but the whole fruit's nutrient values do not describe what is in a glass of steeped water.

The liver and kidneys do most of the body's detoxification, while the lungs and gut also help eliminate waste; sweat removes only trace amounts. This drink can help you stay hydrated, but it does not flush toxins or replace those processes.

How should you store peach cucumber thyme water?

Keep the pitcher refrigerated while it steeps and after serving. Drink it within 24 hours for the best flavor, and discard it after 2–3 days, or sooner if it becomes cloudy, slimy or sour-smelling.

Use a clean, covered pitcher and refrigerate it promptly instead of leaving it on the counter to infuse. You can strain out the solids after steeping if you prefer, but keep the strained water refrigerated too.

How can you vary peach cucumber thyme water?

For a fruit-forward pitcher, add a little more sliced peach. For a crisper, less fruity result, increase the cucumber instead; either change will keep the same basic flavor profile.

If you prefer a gentler herbal taste, start with 1 thyme sprig and taste the chilled water before adding more. You can also remove the sprigs after the initial steep while leaving the peach and cucumber in the pitcher.

Frozen peach slices can stand in for fresh ones when peaches are out of season. Use unsweetened slices and add them directly to the pitcher; the water may look less clear as the fruit thaws.