Cucumber Strawberry Cooler | Virtually Homemade: Cucumber Strawberry Cooler

Monday, July 9, 2012

Cucumber Strawberry Cooler



A trip to my local farmer’s market inspired this incredibly refreshing and “summery” cocktail.  In Southern California, where I live, there are farmer’s markets all year long.  However, I especially look forward to the summer kirbie cucumbers that adorn each produce stand’s table.  The bright green tender skin encompasses the crunchy white, watery flesh that satisfies like a cold glass of water.  It only made sense to turn this vegetable into a fun summer drink.



Preparing this cooler requires only a few simple and fresh ingredients.  When blended they create a cool, thirst-quenching beverage that screams summer.  Grab some ice and your favorite cocktail glass and sip away while relaxing in the warm afternoon sun.


Cucumber Strawberry Cooler
serves 4

Ingredients:
4 Kirbie cucumbers, peeled and chopped (use can also use 1 English cucumber)
2 cups stemmed and chopped strawberries
4 tablespoons simple syrup *recipe below
¼ cup fresh lime juice
1 can seltzer water
2 – 4 ounces vodka

Directions:
1. In a blender or food processor puree cucumbers.  Add strawberries, syrup and lime juice and blend until smooth. 
2. Place a fine sieve over a large bowl and strain cucumber mixture, pushing down on solids with a rubber spatula. 
3. Fill two cocktail glasses with ice.  Pour desired amount of vodka over ice.  Pour in strained cucumber juice and top with 2 – 4 ounces of seltzer water.  Garnish with cucumber slice and strawberry.

*Simple Syrup
Combine ¼ cup of sugar with a ¼ cup of water in a saucepan.  Heat until sugar is completely dissolved.




3 comments:

  1. Hi Liz...in the words of Ina Garten, "How bad can this be?" A little swig of vodka makes the world round! : - )

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Elise! I love seeing all the Summer Fest posts again.

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  2. hi liz, this looks delicious! i did a cucumber cooler last year...but your version with strawberries looks out of this world! thanks...happy to be a part of summerfest with you...

    ReplyDelete

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