Cucumber Mint Lemonade
Ingredients:
- 1 large cucumber, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves, plus extra for garnish
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons)
- 1/2 cup keto-friendly sweetener (such as erythritol or monk fruit), adjust to taste
- 4 cups cold water
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare Cucumber and Mint:
- Peel and Slice Cucumber:
- Peel a large cucumber and slice it into thin rounds. Set aside a few slices for garnish.
- Fresh Mint Leaves:
- Wash and gather a cup of fresh mint leaves. Reserve some leaves for garnish.
Make Cucumber Mint Base:
- Blend Cucumber and Mint:
- In a blender, combine the cucumber slices and fresh mint leaves. Blend until you get a smooth puree.
- Strain (Optional):
- For a smoother texture, strain the cucumber-mint puree using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to separate the liquid from any solids.
Mix Lemonade:
- Fresh Lemon Juice:
- Squeeze enough lemons to obtain 1 cup of fresh lemon juice. Adjust the quantity based on your taste preferences.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large pitcher, combine the cucumber-mint puree, fresh lemon juice, keto-friendly sweetener, and cold water. Stir well to dissolve the sweetener.
- Taste and Adjust:
- Taste the lemonade and adjust the sweetness or tartness by adding more sweetener or lemon juice as needed.
Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate:
- Place the pitcher in the refrigerator to chill the cucumber mint lemonade for at least 1-2 hours.
- Add Ice Cubes:
- When ready to serve, add ice cubes to the pitcher for an extra refreshing experience.
Garnish and Enjoy:
- Lemon and Mint Garnish:
- Garnish individual glasses with a slice of lemon and a sprig of fresh mint. You can also add a cucumber slice for an extra touch.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Pour the chilled Cucumber Mint Lemonade into glasses and enjoy this hydrating and flavorful drink!
Notes:
- Make It Sparkling: For a fizzy variation, add sparkling water to the lemonade just before serving.
- Experiment with Herbs: Try adding other herbs like basil or a hint of ginger for additional flavor dimensions.
- Adjust Sweetness: Customize the sweetness level according to your preference by adding more or less keto-friendly sweetener.
- Large Batch: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for a larger gathering.
This Cucumber Mint Lemonade is a delightful and rejuvenating drink, perfect for warm days or as a unique addition to your beverage options.