What are the benefits of cucumber and ginger?

Not only do cucumber and ginger taste great together, but they also have some awesome health benefits. Cucumbers are about 90% water, making them super hydrating especially in the summer heat. Ginger is great for the stomach, as it aids in digestion and can even help to relieve nausea.

Cucumber Ginger Lemonade - Crowded Kitchen

Description

This cucumber ginger lemonade is a super refreshing treat, perfect for cooling down on even the hottest of summer days. This simple combination of cucumber, lemon, and ginger is both hydrating and cleansing in all the best ways.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Lemonade:

1 large English cucumber, skin on, roughly chopped into 1/2 inch pieces
3 cups water
1 1/2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice
Ginger simple syrup (ingredients below)

Ginger Simple Syrup:

1 cup sugar
1 cup water
3/4 cup fresh ginger, peeled and cut in 1/4 inch pieces

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Instructions

Add sugar and water to a small pot over medium-high heat and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Add in the ginger, then bring mixture to a boil. Simmer for 3 minutes, then remove from heat and let sit for 40 minutes.
Strain the ginger from the simple syrup and discard.
Add cucumber, water, lemon juice, and simple syrup to blender and blend on high speed for one minute.
Strain through a fine mesh strainer to remove the pulp. Pour the lemonade into a large pitcher and refrigerate until chilled (or pour over ice and enjoy right away!).

Notes

Make it a cocktail: Just add 4-6 oz of gin or vodka to the blender for an incredibly refreshing cocktail.

Lemon juice: You have to go with freshly squeezed lemon juice in this drink! It's the best way to add flavor and is critical for that classic lemonade taste. The bottled stuff just doesn't taste the same.

Sugar: Regular ol' cane sugar is best in this recipe, but feel free to use a sugar alternative if preferred.

Make ahead and storage: The best way to make this drink ahead of time is to make the simple syrup a few days before, and store it in your fridge. Then, when you're ready to enjoy your lemonade, simply blend, strain, and enjoy!. The blended lemonade will keep in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, but be sure to give it a good stir before drinking, as it may separate.

Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Drinks
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size:
Calories: 160
Sugar: 35.8 g
Sodium: 9.8 mg
Fat: 0.3 g
Carbohydrates: 41.5 g
Fiber: 0.7 g
Protein: 0.8 g