Pepsi introduced Pepsi Ice Cucumber in Japan this past summer—a limited edition, not available elsewhere—which could be an indication that cucumbers and beverages are worth trying.
Slices of cucumber can be used instead of slices of lemon or lime to add just a hint of flavor to an ordinary glass of water. Although cucumbers don’t have as strong a flavor as citrus or herbs, a good cucumber has a mild, pleasant green odor that lends a note of freshness to the water.
But cucumbers can be a part of an interesting beverage, not just the garnish. For both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, recipes may call for pureeing the cucumber, then straining it.
The cucumbers add just a hint of flavor to this cocktail, which tastes predominately of lime and mint.
Serves 6
Ingredients
6 limes
1 cup packed mint leaves
3 cucumbers (unwaxed)
1/2 cup sugar
2 cups vodka
Sparkling water
Method
Slice half of the limes and put into a pitcher. Juice the other half and add the juice to the pitcher. Add the mint leaves (save 6 for garnish). Slice 2 of the cucumbers and add them to the pitcher, then add the sugar. Muddle the ingredients, then add vodka. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Cut the last cucumber into 6 spears and set aside.
Strain the refrigerated mixture and pour into 6 large glasses filled with ice. Add a splash of sparkling water to each and garnish with a sprig of mint and a cucumber spear.
Cucumbers are an integral part of the flavor of this very light citrus drink. This is more elegant and less robust than a typical lemonade; for an indoor event, rather than a picnic or barbeque.
Serves 8
Ingredients
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
2 English cucumbers, cut in large chunks
2 large lemons or 3 limes (or a mixture of the two), juiced
Club soda
Method
Boil the water and sugar together for about 3 minutes to make a simple syrup.
Puree the cucumber until smooth. Strain through a chinois into a large bowl, separating the juice and the solids. Strain the solids through a mesh strainer to add more juice. Add the lemon or lime juice and the simple syrup to the cucumber juice.
Fill champagne flutes or similar-sized glasses about 1/2 full of the mixture and top off with club soda. Garnish with slices of lemon or lime and cucumber.
Cucumber Facts:
Cucumbers, originally grown in southern Asia, are now available in the United States and Canada year round. They are low in calories—and in most nutrients; they’re 96 percent water, with a bit of fiber, potassium, Vitamin A and folic acid, but only tiny amounts of other vitamins and minerals.
