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This is a really refreshing and uplifting summer combination that is quick and easy to make

Mint & cucumber lemonade

This cool summer favourite is bound to make the sun shine a little brighter.

The mint lifts the spirits, the lemon is thirst quenching, alkalising and a good source of vitamin C and cucumber is cleansing and cooling.

Ingredients

• 720 ml (24 oz) cold water
• 360 g (12 oz) sugar dissolved into 60 ml (2 oz) water
• 2-3 large cucumbers
• 720 ml (24 oz) freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 large bunch of mint, leaves removed (equivalent to about 2 1/2 cups)

Method

1 Dissolve the sugar and water in a pan over low heat until clear. Turn off the heat and allow to cool completely.

2 Peel and roughly chop the cucumbers.

3 Purée the cucumbers, lemon juice, mint leaves and sugar syrup in a blender. Taste and make any adjustments to the flavour to suit your own preferences (bear in mind this mixture will be diluted with water).

4 Pour the purée through a fine sieve  or muslin cloth and gradually add the water until you have the strength you like. Start with two cups and gradually add the rest to suit your tastes,

5 Pour into a glass with a few ice cubes, a sprig of fresh mint and a slice of cucumber.

This is a lovely drink as it is, but if you want an extra kick you can add a shot of vodka to the glass!