Cucumber Limeade

The first time I had a beverage with cucumber in it was at a spa several years ago. Simple thinly-sliced cucumber rounds in clean iced water... and it was heaven! (Ok, so the lovely, relaxing spa environment didn't hurt.) This slightly "enhanced" version is from Martha Stewart. Feel free to adjust the amount of lime juice to your taste. I found it needed significantly more than the original recipe's call for the juice of one lime (I'm a citrus-head), but once I got it right, it was perfect! I grabbed a book and melted into the hammock out back while sipping this truly refreshing beverage.

• Ready In: 5 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1  English cucumber (about 1 pound)
• 1 1⁄2 cups water
• 1⁄4 cup sugar
• 1  lime, juice of (I used more, about 3 tablespoons)
• 1⁄4 teaspoon coarse salt
• 1  cup  ice cube

Directions

1. Peel cucumber, cut in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. This is easily done by scraping a spoon tip (bowl side down) down the length of the inside of the cucumber half.
2. Chop coarsely and combine in a blender with the remaining ingredients, blending until smooth.
3. Serve over ice with cucumber spears as garnish.