Cucumber Clear Start

Cucumber and lime make a sharper, more sparkling cousin to cucumber water. You get the fresh garden scent first, then the citrus, with very little natural sweetness to soften either one. Thin cucumber slices help the flavor develop without much work. Add the sparkling water after the lime and keep the stirring brief. It’s a clean, uncomplicated glass for someone who prefers crisp to fruity.

Ingredients

• 6 oz Sparkling water
• 4 slice Cucumber
• 1/2 oz Lime juice

Make it

1. Add the fruit and herbs to a glass. Gently press soft fruit or herbs to release their flavor.
2. Stir in the juice, any optional salt or sweetener, and the water. If using sparkling water, add it last and stir once.
3. Add ice if you like. Let infused water stand for 5 minutes for a fuller flavor.

Benefits

Lime · a little vitamin C

You get a small vitamin C contribution from lime in the cucumber mixture, supporting normal immune function alongside a lively citrus tang.

A sparkling setting for cucumber

Pairing cucumber with lime puts a crisp green flavor into a fizzy glass, with bubbles making the texture part of the pleasure.