Minty green cucumber juice

I came across the recipe for 'Mean Green Cucumber Juice' by Sunny Anderson, and I loved the green color. The fact that the juice was sweet, yet green made it an exciting recipe to try. I altered the recipe a bit, by flavoring the juice with mint, which added great flavor. I also reduced a lot of the sweetness, as I wanted the flavor of the cucumber to come out.

Start by placing the sugar and the 1/4 cup of water along with the sprigs of mint in a saucepan. Bring this to a boil and let it simmer until the sugar dissolves. Set this aside until completely cooled. Squeeze the mint and discard. Pour this mint flavored simple syrup into a blender.

Chop the cucumber and place it in the blender along with the remaining 1/4 cup of water. Blend until completely pureed. Pour over a strainer and drain completely, pressing with your fingers to extract every bit of juice. Serve this over ice in chilled glasses, garnished with a slice of cucumber.

Verdict: This is a very refreshing juice, perfect for summer days. I loved the emerald green color and its amazing the amount of minty flavor you obtain by just making a mint flavored simple syrup. The opportunities are endless as to the different variations you can create with this recipe. I am thinking about a ginger flavored simple syrup for the next time around.

Note: Please note that you need an English cucumber, not the American cucumber, as the skin is waxed and is not safe for consumption.

Sending this cool cucumber delight to:

1. 'Fun n Sun' @ Tickling palates

2. 'Seasonal Indlugence - Summer coolers'.

3. 'Mocktails and Coolers' event.

4. 'Kids Delight - Cool Comforts', event series by Srivalli and to

5. 'Serve it - Chilled' event series by me and Krithi of Krithi's kitchen.

6. And finally to: 'Show me your Summer coolers' event.