Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Preparation
- Begin by making the Lemon Simple Syrup. Combine the sugar, water, and lemon zest in a small saucepan. Bring just to a simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat and allow the zest to steep for 20 minutes before straining. Chill completely.
- Peel one cucumber if desired and cut both cucumbers into chunks. Purée in a blender until smooth, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve to yield about 1 ½ cups of fresh cucumber juice.
- In a large pitcher, combine cucumber juice, fresh lemon juice, and Lemon Simple Syrup. Refrigerate until well chilled.
- Just before serving, add the sparkling water and ice, stirring gently to preserve the bubbles. Pour into tall glasses over fresh ice and garnish with cucumber ribbons, lemon wheels, and a sprig of mint.
Notes
Jorj's Tip
Add the sparkling water at the very last minute. The fresh bubbles make this drink taste as though it was mixed individually for every guest.
Garden Spirits Bar
Rather than preparing an alcoholic version, place a small tray beside the pitcher with optional additions.
Wonderful Choices
• London Dry Gin
• Premium Vodka Suggested Pour • 1½ ounces per glass A sprig of rosemary with the gin or a basil leaf with the vodka makes a beautiful finishing touch. Hosting a Crowd Prepare the Lemon Simple Syrup up to one week ahead. Blend the cucumber juice and mix it with the lemon juice and syrup the day before serving. Refrigerate until guests arrive. Just before welcoming everyone into the kitchen, stir in the sparkling water and garnish the pitcher generously with cucumber slices, lemon wheels, and fresh mint. Make It Your Own • Garden Herb Sparkler: Add a few sprigs of basil or rosemary while the syrup cools for a subtle herbal note.
• Honey Cucumber Sparkler: Replace half the sugar with local honey for a softer sweetness.
• Lime Garden Sparkler: Substitute half the lemon juice with fresh lime juice for a brighter citrus profile.
• Elderflower Garden Sparkler: Add ¼ cup elderflower cordial for an elegant floral finish.
• Premium Vodka Suggested Pour • 1½ ounces per glass A sprig of rosemary with the gin or a basil leaf with the vodka makes a beautiful finishing touch. Hosting a Crowd Prepare the Lemon Simple Syrup up to one week ahead. Blend the cucumber juice and mix it with the lemon juice and syrup the day before serving. Refrigerate until guests arrive. Just before welcoming everyone into the kitchen, stir in the sparkling water and garnish the pitcher generously with cucumber slices, lemon wheels, and fresh mint. Make It Your Own • Garden Herb Sparkler: Add a few sprigs of basil or rosemary while the syrup cools for a subtle herbal note.
• Honey Cucumber Sparkler: Replace half the sugar with local honey for a softer sweetness.
• Lime Garden Sparkler: Substitute half the lemon juice with fresh lime juice for a brighter citrus profile.
• Elderflower Garden Sparkler: Add ¼ cup elderflower cordial for an elegant floral finish.