cucumber-infused lemonade

Refreshing Cucumber Lemonade Delight

Get ready to sip on a revitalizing glass of Cucumber Lemonade, a refreshing twist inspired by the delightful flavors from Mimi Cheng’s kitchen. This drink is perfect for warm days and will have your guests in awe of its vibrant color and zesty flavor!

Cooking Time

Preparing this invigorating lemonade takes just a small slice of your day! Overall, you can whip it up in around 30 minutes, with some chilling time afterward to ensure it’s perfectly refreshing.

Ingredients

• 1 pound cucumbers (peeled or unpeeled, chopped into sizable chunks, plus a few thin slices for garnish)
• 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from approximately 7 to 8 lemons; juiciness can vary)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups cold water

Important Tips

When you make your Cucumber Lemonade, feel free to experiment! The first time, I included the cucumber skin, resulting in a vibrant green concoction that raised some eyebrows. For a more subtle pastel hue, peel the cucumbers beforehand. Any cucumber variety will do, be it the hefty English kind or the smaller kirby available at your local market. If you prefer a tart drink, aim for a concentrated mix; and if sweetness is more your jam, adjust the sugar to your liking, anywhere from 1/2 cup for a balanced palette to a lighter touch if serving over sparkling water. Lastly, to save time, skip making simple syrup! Just add sugar directly to the mix and shake it for quick dissolving. It’s a breeze!

Instructions

Start by blending the cucumbers in a blender or food processor until they’re fully pureed—give it an extra minute to ensure a smooth consistency. Once ready, strain the puree through a fine-mesh strainer or a layered cheesecloth placed over a pitcher. Stir the mixture to help the juice flow through, discarding the solids afterward. You should end up with approximately 1 cup of cucumber juice.

Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and sugar to the cucumber juice, followed by the cold water. Stir or shake the mixture vigorously, then chill it in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to let the flavors meld. Give it another stir or shake to ensure the sugar is fully dissolved.

Before serving, taste your lemonade and adjust sweetness or water as needed. Serve over ice with optional seltzer or sparkling water for a bubbly treat. Garnish with a cucumber slice for an elegant touch!

And yes, if you're feeling adventurous, a splash of gin would elevate this drink even further!