Strawberry Mint Cucumber Soda

Ready to hit the refresh button?

Mr. Pedantic and I are setting our clocks to vacation time today. Sabine is enjoying a holiday at the grandparents’ and we are driving to someplace just far enough away from our desks and computers to breathe deep.

There has been a tremendous amount of change in our lives these pasts few weeks and months. It is hurtful and hopeful, and much the natural course of life, but sometimes we need to step back and refuel so we can process that hurt and welcome the hope.

If those proverbial refresh buttons we metaphorically tap could be distilled, this soda would be the result.

There is something about cucumber juice that makes me feel instantly revived.

I am melding cucumbers and strawberries - which are popping up everywhere this time of year - to create a sweet mocktail that sings of springtime!

I also added a handful of mint because I cannot resist putting it into anything and everything right now - it’s so reminiscent of this airy, verdant season!

Cucumber mint juice is distributed amongst glasses and we really could just add some bubbly and call it a day, but I wanted a bit of extra color and sweetness.

The strawberry puree brings both of those elements and makes this drink feel a little more like a mocktail than a green juice.

After the purees have been added, we top this drink off with plentiful ice and sparkling water.

Those foamy tops get me every time.

Give it all a stir and grab a straw!

The subtle flavors of the cucumber, mint, and fresh berries each share the platform so that no element outshines another and the result is nothing short of blissful.

This drink is a far cry from a typical sweetened soda, but you could certainly adjust the sugar if you prefer a sweeter drink. I myself loved the less is more factor here which added to the healthful tones of the drink.

Playlists have been selected and flip-flops packed, but wherever you roam this week, I hope you find some moments to refresh!

Fancy sodas are a good place to start.

Sincerely,

Pedantic Foodie

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Strawberry Mint Cucumber Soda

serves four

• 1 lb strawberries, hulled and halved

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided

• 2 cups cucumbers, peeled and sliced

• 1/4 cup fresh sweet mint

• 1/2 cup filtered water

• 2 cups sparkling water

• crushed ice

Combine strawberries and 1/2 cup granulated sugar in a 2-quart saucepan and set over medium high heat. Stir the mixture constantly, until the sugar has melted and the mixture reaches a boil. Once the mixture is boiling, reduce heat to medium and simmer steadily for 5 minutes.

Allow the mixture to cool completely, then transfer to a blender and puree until smooth.

Transfer the mixture to a small pitcher and divide amongst four glasses.

Wash out the blender and add remaining 1/4 cup sugar, fresh mint, cucumbers and filtered water; blend until smooth.

Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer and pour the strained juice into the prepared glasses.

Top each glass with 1/2 cup crushed ice and fill to the top with sparkling water. Stir to combine.

Serve immediately and enjoy!

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