Cucumber summer drinks (non-alcoholic options, too) to keep you cool this summer

Published Dec 2, 2022

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Gin cocktail with basil and cucumber

Replace gin with cordial and bubbly with sparkling water for a non-alcoholic option.

Ingredients

¼ cup (60ml) each gin and simple syrup

Juice (60ml) of 2 limes

Handful ice

4-6 cucumber ribbons

⅓ cup (180ml) crushed ice

½ cup (125ml) sparkling wine

Basil leaves, for serving

Pomegranate rubies, for serving

Method

Combine gin, simple syrup and lime juice in a cocktail shaker and fill with ice.

Shake until the outside is ice cold.

Divide cucumber ribbons between 2 large glasses and top with crushed ice, then strain in cocktail mixture.

Top up cocktails with sparkling wine.

Serve with basil leaves and pomegranate rubies.

Cucumber and blueberry virgin mojito

Want something alcohol-free and sophisticated to sip on? This is the drink for you.

Ingredients

1 tub (125g) blueberries

½ cup (125ml) sugar

½ cup (125ml) water

For serving:

1 lime, sliced into quarters

Handful each mint and basil leaves

Handful crushed ice

Sparkling water or tonic

Method

Combine blueberries, sugar and water and simmer for 5-7 minutes. Cool.

Divide blueberry syrup among 4 glasses.

Add 1 lime quarter, squeezed and 4 each mint and basil leaves per glass.

Top with crushed ice and sparkling water or tonic. Serve

Fruity popsicle punch

2 bottles (280ml each) cold-pressed juices of choice

2 nectarines, sliced

Handful fresh blueberries

2 Tbsp (30ml) honey

Juice (about 500ml) of 6 oranges

Juice (60ml) of 2 limes

3 cups (750ml) sugar-free tonic water or soda water

Ice cubes, for serving

Method

Pour cold-pressed juice into 4 popsicle moulds and freeze overnight.

Combine remaining ingredients, excluding ice cubes, in a large punch bowl and refrigerate for an hour.

Ladle punch into 4 serving glasses and place a popsicle in each glass.

Allow popsicles to melt slightly, then top with ice cubes. Serve.

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