Cucumber mint cooler

• 1 large English cucumber, washed and unpeeled
• ½ cup (125 mL) fresh mint leaves, firmly packed
• 2 limes, washed
• 1 cup (250 mL) water
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) honey
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) granulated sugar
• Pinch of salt
• Ice cubes, for serving
• Soda water (optional)
• For garnish: Fresh mint sprigs, lime slices, cucumber wedges

1. Cut the cucumber into cubes.
2. Remove the mint leaves from their stems and firmly pack them into a ½ cup  (125 mL) measuring cup.
3. Juice the limes into a small bowl.
4. In a high-powered blender, combine the cucumber cubes, mint leaves, lime juice, water, honey, sugar, and salt.
5. Blend on high until everything is fully incorporated and smooth.
6. For a rustic, thicker drink, serve as is. For a smoother version, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher or bowl, pressing with a spoon to extract all the liquid.
7. To serve, fill glasses with ice and pour the mixture over top.
8. Add a splash of soda water if you’d like some fizz.
9. Garnish with fresh mint, a slice of cucumber, and/or a lime wedge.
10. Serve immediately or refrigerate until well chilled. Keeps for up to 4 days in the fridge

Optional mint muddle

For extra minty flavour, gently muddle a few additional mint leaves with a mortar and pestle and stir them into the strained juice before serving.