Nathalie Krull
It’s that time of year again… that time when you can see the heat rising off the roads, and the leaves of your plants burn to a crisp in the garden. This hydrating cucumber mint lemonade is made with skin, and gut loving anti-inflammatory ingredients, that replenish all the goodness your body needs to handle the high temperatures. Stop using electrolyte waters filled with artificial colors, and sweeteners. Make something your body actually knows what to do with. A drink that doesn’t throw your hormones into a tailspin, and actually supports your nervous system. You deserve it! Refreshing and cooling this drink will make you feel good inside and out. Adjust the taste to your liking, and drink your way to a healthier you.
Ingredients:
- 1 large cucumber cut up into small chunks
- Juice from 3 lemons
- 1 1/3 cups coconut water
- 3-4 tablespoons coconut sugar or sweetener of your choice…honey, maple syrup, or refined sugar if you must
- A handful of fresh mint—approx. 1 cup
- 2 ½ cups filtered water
- Ice
Let’s make it:
Blend the cucumber and filtered water in a high-speed blender. Blend until the cucumber is as smooth as you can get it. Next, strain the cucumber water through a fine mesh strainer into a large bowl. In a saucepan, heat up the coconut water slightly (until warm, not hot), add your sweetener, and stir until dissolved. While it cools, add your lemon juice to your cucumber water. Next, put about a ½ cup of mint into the bottom of two large mason jars, or alternatively, all the mint into a large pitcher. Now that it has cooled, pour the sweetened coconut water into your big bowl with cucumber water, and lemon juice, and stir. Ladle your super hydrating lemonade evenly into your mason jars, or pitcher, on top of the fresh mint. Add a large amount of ice to top it off. Either close the mason jar and give them a shake, or give it a rough stir if it’s in a pitcher. Let chill for 5-10 minutes. Serve cold.
This isn’t just some pretty drink. It’s packed full of healthy hydrating benefits. It reduces bloat, cools down inflammation, replenishes your electrolytes, and kinda makes you feel fancy. If you have been reaching for sticky sweet colorful drinks this summer, give this a try, your body will thank you. Great after a long hike or workout, or just sipping on the back porch watching the butterflies on a hot day. Wishing you good health and good luck on all of your cooking adventures. Cheers!
