Garden Before Nine

Cucumber and mint make an easy pair. The cucumber brings a mild, fresh flavor, while the mint gives each sip a cool finish without taking over. This is a quieter drink—more refreshing than fruity, with no big burst of sweetness. Give it a few minutes to sit so the flavors have time to settle into the water. Plenty of ice and a gentle press on the mint leaves are about all it needs.

Ingredients

• 6 oz Cold water
• 4 slice Cucumber
• 5 leaf Mint leaves

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

A crisp way to keep water interesting

Cucumber brings a light green flavor to six ounces of water, making an everyday glass feel a little more inviting. It is the water doing the hydrating, with cucumber giving you a reason to reach for it.

Freshness you notice before the first sip

Five mint leaves add a cool, fresh aroma beside the cucumber. Gently pressing them releases that fragrance without turning the drink into a mouthful of shredded herbs.