Spearmint Lime Cucumber Water Food

LIME WATER RECIPE WITH MINT

Steps:

• Wash and thinly slice the lime.
• Add lime slices and mint leaves to bottom of a pitcher. Use a wooden spoon to lightly muddle (mash) them several times to release the juices. (Here's more on How to Muddle Mint.)
• Add the cold water. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving, more if time. Flavor is best within 1 day.

MINT CITRUS WATER

Steps:

• Pour water into a pitcher.
• Mix lemon slices, lime slices, mint leaves, and cucumber together in a bowl; add to water and stir.
• Refrigerate water mixture, stirring 1 time per day, until flavors have infused, 2 to 3 days.

CUCUMBER-MINT WATER

Steps:

• Blend the cucumbers, sugar, lemon juice, mint, salt and 4 cups cold water in a blender until as smooth as possible (a fair amount of solids will remain). (If all the ingredients do not fit in your blender, use half the water to puree, transfer the puree to a larger container, then stir in the remaining water.) Refrigerate to chill, at least 1 hour.
• Before serving, strain the cucumber-mint water through a fine strainer. Use the bottom of a ladle or wooden spoon to help push the liquid through the mesh. Discard the solids. Serve over ice. Add gin or vodka to taste if using.