Cucumber Mint And Basil Soda Recipes

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.

Steps:

• Bring water and sugar to a boil to make simple syrup.
• Keep 1.5 cups in a small saucepan and remove pan from heat.
• Add cucumber slices (reserving 12 for garnish), 24 mint leaves, and basil.
• Cover and let steep for 30 minutes.
• Strain cucumber-herb syrup into a jar, pressing on solids in strainer.
• Fill a 12-oz. glass with ice cubes. Add 2 tablespoons syrup and top with soda water (about 1/2 cup). Stir to combine. Garnish with cucumber slice and sprig of mint. Repeat to make 11 more sodas.

Steps:

• Purée honeydew, cucumbers, mint, and salt in a blender until smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl (do not press on solids, which would make mixture cloudy). Stir in lime juice and chill 1 hour.
• Divide honeydew purée among ice-filled glasses. Top off with club soda and garnish with mint sprigs.
• Honeydew purée can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.

Steps:

• Combine water and sugar in sauce pan.
• Bring to simmer and stir until sugar has dissolved.
• Turn heat off and add cucumber, basil and mint.
• Remove from heat, place lid on pan and leave overnight, (longer the mixture sits, the better it tastes).
• Strain and store in fridge.
• Add 2 tbsp of syrup to 8 oz. of good cold water.

Steps:

• Make the mint simple syrup: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the water, sugar, and roughly chopped mint leaves. Bring to a low boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mint is fragrant. Remove from the heat and let cool for 5-10 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve. Store remaining mint syrup in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
• In a cocktail shaker, combine the cucumber rounds, lime juice, whole mint leaves, and 1 tablespoon of the mint simple syrup. Muddle for 1-2 minutes, until the cucumber and mint have released their flavors, but are not mushy.
• Pour in the vodka and fill the shaker halfway with ice. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds.
• Fill a Collins glass with ice and pour in the strained cocktail.
• Garnish with the cucumber ribbons.
• Enjoy!