Cool Off With 3 Cucumber Drinks

Author and Photographer: Isabella Sturgis

The dog days of summer are here, and I’ve been looking for any opportunity to cool off—from standing in front of the AC to eating unhealthy amounts of popsicles. So naturally, I’ve been obsessed with anything made with the hydrating and refreshing cucumber. Besides just your basic cucumber water, there are countless other great renditions to try—with flavors ranging from tart to sweet to spicy. These three drinks are my favorites so far, and they’re just scratching the surface.

The options are endless, so consider this a jumping off point and get creative!

Cucumber Mint Refresher

Ingredients: (makes 2 servings)

3 cucumbers (frozen)

3 large mint leaves

1 lime

Instructions:

1. Peel and chop cucumbers. Freeze for 24 hours.

2. Add cucumbers and mint to blender, and squeeze in lime.

3. Pulse until combined and smooth. Do not over blend to maintain thick texture.

4. Serve and enjoy!

Strawberry-Cucumber Slushie

Ingredients: (makes 2 servings)

3 cucumbers

6 strawberries

½ lemon juice

Ziploc bag

Instructions:

1. Peel and chop cucumbers. Freeze for 24 hours.

2. Chop fresh strawberries in half.

3. Put cucumbers and strawberries in blender and squeeze in lemon. If you prefer a tart drink, use the whole lemon.

4. Pulse until smooth. Do not over blend to maintain thick texture.

5. Serve and enjoy!

Cucumber Jalapeño Kicker

Ingredients:

1 cucumber

Jalapeño

½ lime

Sparkling water

Mexican Spice (or paprika, salt, and chili powder—whatever you like)

Instructions:

1. Peel and chop cucumber. Slice lime into fourths. Thinly slice and seed jalapeño.

2. Muddle lime, cucumber, and jalapeño as much as possible.

3. Coat the rim of the glass with lime juice. Roll glass in spices.

4. Pour mixture into cup over ice. Fill rest of glass with sparkling water, or to taste.

5. Enjoy!

And on an extra hot day, try freezing any of these drinks into a popsicle!