Mint Cucumber Refresher
A delightful and invigorating non-alcoholic drink featuring fresh mint, crisp cucumber, and a touch of sweetness from homemade simple syrup. Perfect for hot days or as a sophisticated mocktail.
Ingredients
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup water for simple syrup
- 1 large cucumber peeled and roughly chopped
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves packed
- 3 cups cold water or sparkling water
- 4 cups ice for serving
- fresh mint sprigs cucumber slices for garnish
Instructions
- First, make the simple syrup. In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and 0.5 cup of water. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and let it cool completely. This can be made ahead and stored in the fridge.
- In a blender, combine the roughly chopped cucumber, fresh mint leaves, 3 cups of cold water, and the cooled simple syrup. Blend on high until the mixture is smooth.
- Taste the mixture and adjust sweetness if desired by adding more simple syrup. If you prefer a smoother drink without pulp, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher, pressing on the solids to extract all liquid. Discard the solids.
- Chill the Mint Cucumber Refresher in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until thoroughly cold.
- To serve, fill glasses with ice. Pour the chilled Mint Cucumber Refresher over the ice. Garnish each glass with fresh mint sprigs and cucumber slices before serving immediately.
Notes
For an extra zing, add a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice. You can also turn this into a cocktail by adding a splash of gin or vodka. Garnish with cucumber slices, mint sprigs, or a lime wedge. For a smoother drink, strain the blended mixture through a fine-mesh sieve.