Cucumber Mint Limeade

Tangy, refreshing, a taste of summer.  The combination of cucumber, mint, and limes makes a delicious and satisfying summer beverage.   A nice alternative to the standard lemonade and iced tea.  You start by liquifying a cucumber in a blender and then you make a simply syrup infused with mint.  Strain into a pitcher add the lime juice and water.  Stir and serve over ice.  That is all there is to it.  Enjoy.


Cucumber Mint Limeade

Ingredients:
1 English cucumber - peeled
4-1/2 cups water plus 1/4 cup for liquifying  the cucumber
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
1 cup lime juice

Directions:
1. Slice cucumber and place slices in a blender.  Add 1/4 cup of water and blend on high until liquefied.
2. Strain through a sieve into a pitcher, pressing to extract juice.  Discard solids.
3. In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil.  Remove from heat and stir in sugar until dissolved.  Add the mint and let sit for 30 minutes.
4. Strain the syrup into the  pitcher with the cucumber.  Add the remaining 4-1/2 cups of water  and lime juice to the pitcher and stir.
5. Chill.  Serve.