Recipe of the Week: Cucumber Mint Water

This is a refreshing thirst quenching recipe from one of my favorite healthy chefs, Ellie Krieger. Flavored waters are the rage these days and make a great alternative to sugary soft drinks. Feel free to substitute agave for the sugar, just stir it in with the lemon juice.

Refreshing Cucumber Mint Water

1/4 cup lightly packed fresh mint leaves
2 tablespoons granulated sugar, optional
1 cup boiling water
1 medium English cucumber (about 1 lb.), peeled, seed core removed, and cut into chunks (2 1/2 cups)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Cold water as required

Put the mint leaves and sugar in a small pot and crush the leaves with a wooden spoon. Pour in the boiling water and stir until the sugar dissolves. Cover and set aside to steep and cool for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a blender, purée the cucumber with 2 cups cold water. Strain the cucumber liquid and mint liquid through a fine strainer into a large bowl; discard the solids. Pour the liquid into a large pitcher.

Add the lemon juice and 4 cups cold water; stir to combine. Serve over ice with lemon and cucumber slices and some sprigs of mint.

- Recipe courtesy of Cook Like James