Drink Up, It's Cucumber

 

Yes, they are not just for salads anymore.  Here are a couple of ideas for some refreshing cucumber beverages to cool down with on warm days.

Cucumber-Apple Smoothie
(on right in photo)

1/2 cucumber, peeled and chopped
2 granny smith apples, peeled and chopped
1 tsp water or crushed ice
sprig of mint, optional

In a blender or food processor, mix together the ingredients.  Pour into a pint glass (or two highball glasses).  Will be thick and frothy, but you can cut with a dash of sparkling water, or vodka.  Garnish with cucumber spears.

Pimms Spritzer
(on left in photo)

1 oz Pimm's No. 1 Cup
2-3 slices of cucumber
2-3 slices of apple
Ginge Ale or Sprite

Half fill a 16 oz glass with ice.  Pour in Pimms, add cucumber and apple, then top with soda.  Give a quick mix and enjoy.

NOTES

If you aren't familiar with Pimm's No. 1 Cup, it's a British liqueur based on gin that has a blend of spices and citrus in it.  It's thickish and red-brown in color.  It mixes well with lemonade or champagne, or in this case soda and fruit/veggie.