1. Refreshing Cucumber Lime Juice
Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time:
15 mins | Serves: 4-6
Ingredients:
– 2 large cucumbers, peeled and roughly chopped
– 1 cup fresh lime juice (about 6-8 limes)
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar or honey, adjust to taste
– 4 cups cold water
– 1 cup ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish, optional
– Pinch of salt, optional
*Instructions:*
1. *Blend*: In a blender, combine chopped cucumbers, lime juice, and 1 cup of water. Blend until completely smooth.
2. *Strain*: Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large pitcher to remove pulp. Press down to extract all the juice.
3. *Sweeten*: Add sugar or honey to the strained juice. Stir until fully dissolved. Add a pinch of salt to enhance flavor.
4. *Dilute*: Add the remaining 3 cups of cold water and stir well. Taste and adjust sweetness or lime.
5. *Serve*: Pour over ice in glasses. Garnish with cucumber slices and mint leaves.
6. *Store*: Keep in sealed bottles or jars in the fridge for up to 3 days. Shake before serving.
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*2. Homemade Lime Cordial Syrup*
*Prep Time*: 15 mins | *Cook Time*: 5 mins | *Total Time*: 20 mins | *Makes*: 3 bottles
*Ingredients:*
– Zest of 6 limes, avoid the white pith
– 2 cups fresh lime juice (about 10-12 limes)
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 1 cup water
– 1 tsp citric acid, optional – for shelf life
*Instructions:*
1. *Make Syrup*: In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Heat on medium, stirring until sugar dissolves. Bring to a gentle simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
2. *Infuse*: Add lime zest to the hot syrup. Let it steep for 10 minutes to release the oils.
3. *Combine*: Strain the syrup into a clean bowl to remove zest. Stir in fresh lime juice and citric acid if using.
4. *Bottle*: Pour the cordial into sterilized glass bottles using a funnel, like in your photo. Seal tightly.
5. *Store*: Keep in the fridge for up to 1 month. The cordial will settle – shake before use.
6. *To Serve*: Mix 1 part cordial with 4 parts still or sparkling water over ice.