Monday, April 18, 2011

Cucumber Cocktails

Cucumber Mint Lemonade

The spring weather here has been all over the place. One day it's raining and the next day it's 90 degrees. This past weekend brought one of those 90 degree days. I do not do well in the heat. I needed to cool down ASAP. I am currently obsessed with cucumbers. I slice them into thin discs and snack on them like chips. I put lemons and cucumbers into my Brita filter and call it spa water. I can't get enough of cucumbers. Remembering my refreshing signature cocktail from last summer, I decided to make a cooling drink featuring my current favorite treat. I love herby notes in my cocktails and more tart drinks so these are perfect for me. These are delicious with and without the alcohol so feel free to enjoy them either way.


Cucumber Basil Limeade




Cucumber Mint Lemonade
(By Esi)

1 1/2 cups cucumber juice (recipe follows)
6 tablespoons mint simple syrup (recipe follows)
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
Sparkling water
Vodka
Lemons, cucumber, and mint for garnish if desired

Mix the cucumber juice, simple syrup, and lemon juice together in a pitcher. Fill a glass with a few cubes of ice. Add 1/4 cup of the cucumber/lemon mixture, 1/4 cup of sparkling water, and 2 tablespoons of vodka. Stir to combine and serve immediately.

Cucumber juice
(By Esi)

Makes 3 cups

4 English cucumbers, peeled and roughly chopped.

Blend the cucumbers in a blender or food processor until liquefied. Set a strainer over a bowl and strain the juice, making sure to squeeze the extra juice from the pulp. Set aside.

Mint Simple Syrup
(By Esi)

1 cup water
3/4 cup sugar
2 springs mint

In a small saucepan, heat the water, sugar, and mint over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved, stirring constantly. Once the sugar has dissolved, remove from the heat and allow to cool completely in the refrigerator. Once the mixture has cooled, discard the mint.


Basil Simple Syrup
(By Esi)

1 cup water
3/4 cup sugar
4 large basil leaves

In a small saucepan, heat the water, sugar, and basil over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved, stirring constantly. Once the sugar has dissolved, remove from the heat and allow to cool completely in the refrigerator. Once the mixture has cooled, discard the basil.

Cucumber Basil Limeade
(By Esi)

1 1/2 cups cucumber juice
7 tablespoons basil simple syrup
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
Sparkling water
Vodka
Limes, cucumber, and basil for garnish if desired

Mix the cucumber juice, simple syrup, and lime juice together in a pitcher. Fill a glass with a few cubes of ice. Add 1/4 cup of the cucumber/lime mixture, 1/4 cup of sparkling water, and 2 tablespoons of vodka. Stir to combine and serve immediately.

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26 comments:

Erica said...

Such a simple and fantastic cocktail. I bet this is super refreshing! Enjoy your week Esi!

Olga @ MangoTomato said...

so pretty! and fresh! and cooling. ♥

Kristen said...

What a delicious cocktail - I love cucumber in water too. Ever tried that? With a bit of lemon? So good!

Diana said...

Seriously crazy weather - I mean how else can you explain me posting about soup and you posting about cucumber cocktails?

Georgia | The Comfort of Cooking said...

Esi, this is one lovely spring/summer drink that I wouldn't mind sipping all day long! Especially since I'm moving to TX soon, I'm going to need lots of cold drink recipes. Thanks for sharing this! You have a beautiful blog.

vanillasugarblog said...

that first photo is so pretty. you submit that one to Tasteologie. It's just so perfect.
Wish I could try one of these with you. Maybe someday.
I wish I could complain about sun and heat, but all we get is snow & rain.

La Cuisine d'Helene said...

I would take one of your cocktail right now :)

Banana Wonder said...

pure delicious refreshment!

Lisa said...

Looks so refreshing and lovely. Definitely on my summer beverage list!

Unknown said...

so refreshing and delicious, i can't wait for warmer weather to try this out!!

Emily @ eat.drink.run. said...

I had cucumber martinis the other night...I only intended to have 1, but ended up having 3, that's how good they were! They had ginger beer and some shaved ginger in them, which gave a nice little kick. Thanks for sharing your recipes!

Charissa said...

Can you make this without the vodka? It looks so refreshing!

Amy (Sing For Your Supper) said...

What a gorgeous, refreshing summertime drink! I can't wait to try it!

Michelle @ Taste As You Go said...

Sounds absolutely perfect for summertime! I wish summer started tomorrow so I could give these a try.

Kimberly said...

You should try this with Hendricks Gin instead of vodka, as it already has a hint of cucumber taste. They publish a similar recipe, and we blend it up slightly frozen. So. Perfect.

Coffee beans said...

This is a new cocktail idea that I have never tried before. Looking forward to prepare it very soon.

Coffee Beans said...

It is my daughter's 18th Birthday in a few weeks and she has always been a cucumber fan! it's a running joke within out family.
since she was able to chew she has loved the fruit.
however now she is going to be legally able to drink - this will make a wonderful celebration drink

Coffee Beans said...

It is my daughter's 18th Birthday in a few weeks and she has always been a cucumber fan! it's a running joke within out family.
since she was able to chew she has loved the fruit.
however now she is going to be legally able to drink - this will make a wonderful celebration drink

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Anonymous said...

Blend the cucumbers in a blender or food processor until liquefied. Set a strainer over a bowl and strain the juice, making sure to squeeze the extra juice from the pulp. Set aside.
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