After all the weird weather we’ve had in the UK (scarily mild winter with blossom appearing in December, torrential rain and snow in April), it seems spring has finally sprung.  There’s even a mini heatwave forecast for this week. All of which means cool, refreshing drinks are back on the menu.

My watermelon limeade is perfect during the heat of summer but in the spring, the fresh flavour of this cucumberade really hits the spot. I’m not sure if this is a drink that exists elsewhere, I was inspired by my love of cucumber and smoothie mixology adventures.

There is scientific research that shows that eating our water, in the form of fruit and vegetables, can provide double the hydration effects of water on the body, due to the additional mineral content. This healthy recipe uses:

• Cucumber is one of the most hydrating vegetables with a whopping 96 per cent water content. It also contains minerals including calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium and silica
• Lemon thyme has been used since antiquity for culinary as well as medicinal purposes. It aids digestion, boosts the immune system, helps respiratory issues and has strong anti-bacterial properties.
• Ginger is bursting with antioxidants and has anti-bacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. 

CUCUMBERADE RECIPE

INGREDIENTS (makes approx 1 litre):

• I small cucumber chopped
• 2 cm long piece of ginger
• small handful of lemon thyme
• 500ml filtered cold water

*Cucumber tends to be have high pesticide residue so I use organic. Otherwise just peel the skin of non-organic. 

**I love the scent of lemon thyme, it’s like a cross between thyme and lemon! If you can’t find any, mint also works really well in this recipe.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Put all the ingredients in to a blender and blitz until smooth.
2. Pour and enjoy. It’s equally refreshing with a drop of elderflower cordial or gin added.