Reporting to you from the never ending heat wave in southern Ontario. The only creative projects I’m getting excited about in the kitchen these days are fancy drinks because varied hydration has been a proven tactic in keeping the morale high while we continue to to work and do all the things at home. I love that this minty cucumber limeade is just a blend and strain away from total refreshment. It’s also yet another great use for my robust backyard mint. You could mix this cucumber limeade up with your spirit of choice (gin seems natural here) or just drink it as-is like we did.
We are starting some early birthday celebrations for my partner this weekend! I’m also working on a special recipe for Brooklyn Delhi (coming soon!) and getting in as much gardening as I can before the sun gets too hot. Besides those things, lots of porch hangs, dog snuggles, and cool beverages are in our future. A bit of work and play! Take care out there.
Minty Cucumber Limeade
Ingredients
- 1½ cups chopped cucumber
- 1½ cups water
- 2 sprigs fresh mint, leaves removed
- ¼ cup lime juice
- 2 tablespoons agave nectar, plus more to taste (could sub simple syrup!)
- pinch fine sea salt
- ice, for serving
Equipment
Notes
- This cucumber limeade would be truly excellent with some gin!
- I use a vegetable peeler to make long ribbons of cucumber to garnish the drink.
- To make simple syrup, simply combine equal parts natural cane sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once the sugar dissolves, allow the syrup to cool. Keep it in the fridge!
Instructions
- In an upright blender, combine the cucumber, water, mint leaves, lime juice, agave nectar, and salt. Blend the mixture on high until totally liquified, about 1 minute.
- Run the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a large measuring cup or bowl. Be careful not to press too much on the pulp as we want to avoid any bitterness. Taste the cucumber limeade and add more agave nectar if you like. Stir to combine.
- Pour the resulting minty cucumber limeade over lots of ice. Garnish with a mint sprig, extra cucumber, or a lime wedge.
Have been making this almost every day during such a bountiful cucumber season. Absolutely delicious and a hit at summer parties!
I love cuca and mint and line! Is the simple syrup used in place of the agave? Could I use coconut sugar I stead? Definitely want to try this refreshing g drink!
Hi Liz,
You could use either agave nectar or simple syrup. Sorry for the confusion! I will make this more clear in the recipe. You could use coconut sugar if you like as a direct substitute for regular sugar in the simple syrup. This will change the colour of your finished drink though since the coconut sugar will create a brown syrup.
-L
Lovely. I’ll definitely try it.
I made the mistake of using a very seedy field cucumber and not de-seeding before blending and my drink was so bitter! I’ve been mixing it with sparkling water (and maybe some tequila ;)) which helps, but I can’t wait to make this again (without the seeds), because I love all of these things together. And a heads up for anyone else with a seedy field cucumber!
YUM! This really hits the spot on a warm summer evening. And yes, I did add gin, and I highly recommend that you do, too :) I used a Korean mint variety from my garden, and it added a great flavor.