This is supposed to be a blog for Brian’s Cucumber Lemonade #2, following yesterday’s #1.
I got a little side tracked. I was looked for 6 lemons and found only 3, but I had a lime and 2 oranges. So, this drink is not “lemonady” at all. It’s citrus and, modestly, brilliantly refreshing. The beverage is made with only cucumber juice, citrus juice and some simple syrup. No water. It’s a tad viscous and definitely forceful.
How does it taste? The cucumber coolness hits first, followed by this cascade of citrus notes: lemon, then orange. The lime is barely susceptible in my version here, but I suspect that every time you make this drink, you’ll find a different kaleidoscope of flavors to enjoy. And, you can adjust the mix of citrus juice here; you are looking for about ⅔ cup of juice. Remember, if you change the ratio of lemons/limes to oranges, you’ll be affecting the sweetness level. And, more oranges will give you more juice.
I’ll go to the store, get more lemons, and work on #2. In the meantime, this #1.5 is very satisfactory.
Brian’s Cucumber Citrus Cascade #1.5
Yield: 2 cups
Ingredients:
- 1 English cucumber, about 12 ounces
- 3 lemons
- 1 lime
- 2 oranges
- ½ cup simple syrup
Preparation:
Peel, slice and seed the cucumber. Cut into chunks and put them in a blender [a Vitamix is better for this, much better]. Process until completely pulverized: a minute or more. Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl. You want about ⅔ cup of cucumber juice.
Rinse the blender and return the cucumber water to it. Add the juice of the lemons, lime, and oranges. Add the sugar syrup. Process until well blended.
Chill before serving and then serve with ice.
Source: Brian O’Rourke, inspired from food.com
Photo Information Canon T2i, EFS 60 mm Macro Lens, F/4 for 1/40th second at ISO‑2500