Sparkling Cucumber & Mint Lemonade

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The Story/Context:

This cucumber mint lemonade is easily my favorite non-alcoholic drink to mix up whenever the summer heat gets intense. It uses a refreshing blend of fresh cucumber and mint to turn a basic, everyday lemonade into a incredibly cooling beverage. The clean flavor of the cucumber naturally rounds out the sharp acidity of fresh lemon juice, resulting in a perfectly balanced drink that is way more thirst-quenching than standard, sugary soda options.

Why it Works: 

Through making pitchers of this for backyard gatherings, I have learned that the secret to a smooth drink relies entirely on how you handle your mint and cucumbers. If you toss whole mint leaves into your pitcher, you won't taste them; but if you blend them into oblivion, you get bitter, grassy chunks stuck in your straw. I prefer to muddle the mint leaves gently with the sugar syrup right at the bottom of the pitcher to release the aromatic oils. For the cucumbers, I run them through a fine-mesh strainer after blending to ensure the juice is completely pulp-free before mixing it with the fresh lemon juice.

Ingredients:

  • 1 large cucumber, sliced

  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice

  • 1/4 cup honey or agave syrup

  • 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves

  • 3 cups sparkling water

  • Ice cubes

Instructions:

  1. Blend half the cucumber slices with lemon juice, honey, and mint leaves until smooth.

  2. Strain the mixture into a pitcher to remove pulp.

  3. Stir in the sparkling water and add remaining cucumber slices for garnish.

  4. Serve over plenty of ice.

Chef’s Pro-Tip: Muddle the mint leaves gently before adding them to the blender to release their essential oils without making the drink bitter.

Serving Suggestion: Serve in a tall glass with a sprig of fresh mint and a thin slice of cucumber on the rim.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving): 

  • 85 kcal
  • Protein: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Fat: 0g

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