A quick and refreshing cucumber cooler recipe

This cucumber cooler, from Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger of Border Grill, is both simple and refreshing. The beverage uses a handful of ingredients and you can whip it up in almost no time. And it works perfectly as a non-alcoholic refreshment, though you could certainly spike it with a little vodka when the occasion calls.

CUCUMBER COOLER

Total time: 20 minutes | Serves 12
Note: From Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger.

2 quarts water
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup lime juice
1 cucumber with skin, ends removed, cut into chunks

1. Combine water, sugar and lime juice and stir until the sugar is dissolved.

2. Pour the lime-sugar mixture into a blender (in batches if necessary). Add the cucumber and blend until smooth. Chill. Serve over ice.

3. Cucumber cocktail: Pour 1 ounce of Absolut Currant vodka into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice. Top off with the cucumber cooler. Garnish with a cucumber slice and serve. Serves 1.

Each serving (nonalcoholic): 27 calories; 0 protein; 7 grams carbohydrates; 0 fiber; 0 fat.

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