Description
Cucumber lemonade from Mediterranean kitchens offers a cool, zesty twist on classic summer drinks. Crisp cucumber and tangy citrus blend seamlessly, inviting you to savor this hydrating and delightful beverage.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 large cucumbers, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) fresh lemon juice
- 4 cups (960 milliliters) cold water
Sweetener:
- 3/4 cup (150 grams) sugar
Garnish:
- Ice cubes
- Thinly sliced cucumbers
- Lemon slices
Instructions
- Peel and roughly chop cucumbers, then transform them into a silky puree using a blender or food processor.
- Position a fine mesh strainer over a pitcher and carefully press the cucumber puree through, extracting maximum liquid and discarding the pulp.
- Pour fresh lemon juice into the cucumber juice, then incorporate granulated sugar and cold water, stirring vigorously until sugar completely dissolves.
- Sample the mixture, adjusting sweetness by adding more sugar or water as desired for a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
- Drop several ice cubes into the pitcher and gently stir to chill the lemonade and enhance its refreshing qualities.
- Refrigerate the pitcher for minimum 60 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
- When ready to serve, fill glasses with additional ice cubes and carefully pour the chilled cucumber lemonade.
- Elevate presentation by garnishing each glass with delicate, translucent cucumber and lemon slices, creating a visually appealing and refreshing beverage.
Notes
- Maximize cucumber juice by using a high-powered blender and pressing firmly through the sieve to extract every drop of liquid.
- Customize sweetness levels by swapping sugar with honey, agave nectar, or stevia for a healthier alternative that suits different dietary preferences.
- Enhance flavor complexity by adding fresh mint leaves, a splash of sparkling water, or muddling cucumber with herbs before blending for deeper aromatics.
- Transform this drink into a sophisticated cocktail by adding a shot of vodka or gin for an adult version that’s perfect for summer gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Mocktails
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 105
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg