Refreshing Cucumber-Lemonade Chiller

Looking out of the window at the moment I see rain! It's meant to be summer ... but this week has not been too brilliant weather wise! Never mind it's meant I've got on with some indoor tasks, so that can't be bad!

I saw this good idea for a summer drink and thought I'd share it with you ... well the sunshine has got to return soon hasn't it?

Some may prefer their summer drinks without alcohol, but if you like a gin based 'chiller' then you may like this recipe idea. Just pick up rosemary, cucumbers and lemons to concoct this grown-up lemonade that will keep you cool on a hot day. "Love this drink on a hot sultry day. Refreshing, not too sweet but be careful because it goes down so easily. "

INGREDIENTS:

Serves Four
3 large cucumbers
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary, plus 4 sprigs for garnish
1 cup water
6 ounces (3/4 cup) gin
1/2 cup lemon juice
3 tablespoons agave syrup, see note below. (or sweetener of your choice)

PREPARATION:
Cut 12 thin slices of cucumber for garnish.
Peel and chop the rest of the cucumber; transfer to a food processor, add rosemary and puree. Pour the puree through a fine-mesh strainer set over a medium bowl or large measuring cup. Press on the solids to extract all the juice. Add water, gin, lemon juice and agave syrup to the cucumber juice; stir until the agave is dissolved. Divide among 4 ice-filled glasses. Garnish with cucumber slices and rosemary sprigs.

TIPS & NOTES:
Note: Agave syrup or nectar is the naturally sweet juice extracted from the agave plant. It has a lower glycemic index than table sugar, but is even sweeter. Use it in moderation when substituting for table sugar. Look for it near other sweeteners in natural-foods stores.

NUTRITION:
Per serving: 169 calories; 0 g fat (0 g sat, 0 g mono); 0 mg cholesterol; 18 g carbohydrates; 1 g protein; 1 gfiber; 6 mg sodium; 241 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin C (32% daily value).
Above idea taken from here 

Dare I say enjoy the last days of summer!!

All the best Jan