Refreshing Cucumber Limeade

If you’re planting cucumbers this year, it’s not unusual to get more than you really need. You can make pickles, put them in salads, and use them instead of a cracker for light snacks topped with cheese and fruit.

For a refreshing summer sipper, combine 1 c. sugar, 1 T. lime zest, and 1 c. water and bring to a simmer in a small saucepan, stirring constantly until sugar dissolves - about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 c mint leaves and let cool for 30 minutes. When cool, pour through a sieve into a pitcher. Squeeze the juice from 5-6 limes into the pitcher. Add a medium cucumber, halved and thinly sliced. Refrigerate at least one hour. Just before serving, stir in 2 cups of cold sparkling water.