The phrase “cool as a cucumber” refers to the many heat-reducing properties of the summer vegetable: its pastel color, its lightness, and above all, its high water content, which, like watermelon is the perfect balm for a mercilessly hot day.
The cucumber’s mild flavor lends itself well to a refreshing summertime soda, boosted with a little fresh lime juice, a little salt, the jolt of carbonated water and a touch of heat.
Using a juice extractor with the cucumbers gives the soda a little more body and a welcome touch of bitterness from the vegetable’s peel. If you want to splurge, make this soda with a delicately carbonated soda water like San Pellegrino or Poland Springs.
John Broening is a chef at Spuntino and Argyll in Denver. Email: johnbroening@msn.com.
Cucumber Soda Makes 4 8-ounce sodas.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup water
- 2 large English cucumbers, rinsed, ends removed
- Juice of 1 lime
- Pinch salt
- 1½ cups club soda
- Pinch Piment d’Espelette or cayenne pepper
Directions
In a small pot, stir together sugar and water. Bring sugar mixture to a boil over high heat. Cool and refrigerate.
Juice the cucumbers in a juice extractor (or a blender). In a large cocktail shaker with ice, vigorously stir cucumber purée, lime juice, salt, sugar syrup and club soda.
Strain into 4 chilled glasses and garnish with Piment d’Espelette or cayenne pepper. Serve immediately.
