cook like james

This is a refreshing thirst quenching recipe from one of my favorite healthy chefs, Ellie Krieger. Flavored waters are the rage these days and make a great alternative to sugary soft drinks. Feel free to substitute agave for the sugar, just stir it in with the lemon juice.

Download Refreshing Cucumber Mint Water recipe

 
1/4 cup lightly packed fresh mint leaves

2 Tbs. granulated sugar, optional

1 cup boiling water

1 medium English cucumber (about 1 lb.), peeled, seed core removed, and cut into chunks (2 1/2 cups)

2 Tbs. fresh lemon juice

Cold water as required

1. Put the mint leaves and sugar in a small pot and crush the leaves with a wooden spoon. Pour in the boiling water and stir until the sugar dissolves. Cover and set aside to steep and cool for 15 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, in a blender, purée the cucumber with 2 cups cold water. Strain the cucumber liquid and mint liquid through a fine strainer into a large bowl; discard the solids. Pour the liquid into a large pitcher. Add the lemon juice and 4 cups cold water; stir to combine. Serve over ice with lemon and cucumber slices and some sprigs of mint.