Sunday, May 12, 2013

Cucumber Melon Refresher

SRC: Secret Recipe Club May 2013


http://otm-inthegalley.blogspot.com Cucumber Melon Refresher

It's a heat wave, in May no less. Seattle tied with Phoenix for the highest daily temperature in the nation this past week, a scorching 87 degrees F. No complaints here, it has been lovely, if just a bit unreal. The hot weather made it easy to choose a few drink recipes from Amy's Cooking Adventures for my Secret Recipe Club post this month. I picked the coolest, most refreshing beverage I could find, Amy's Cucumber-Melon Refresher. Actually I tried several other drinks, but this was the first and most in-season with mint and strawberries. As a bacon and popcorn fan I was tempted to make multiple batches of her Bacon Caramel Corn with Dark Chocolate, but we're on a renewed campaign to eat healthier. Healthier probably shouldn't include bacon, brown sugar, light syrup and dark chocolate but damn! that sounded tasty. Sigh, moving on...

Amy's base recipe works best with a really sweet, flavorful watermelon. My mini melon was pretty cute, quite colorful and waaaay too bland. Lime juice and fresh strawberries came to the rescue, adding a sweet/tart note that balanced the more assertive cucumber flavor. The watermelon played a minor role, adding volume, color and just a hint of flavor. We tried a glass straight up, then another one with rum and finally a third with a shot of tequila. I enjoyed the kid's version, served over ice, but would never turn down the high test adult version with alcohol. Mmmmm, delicious. Thanks, Amy. 


Note: you will enjoy cruising through Amy's blog, checking out her recipes and admiring her sense of adventure and humor. For example, 

"I love taking risks in the kitchen. One thing my wonderful husband has taught me is that cooking experiments are always welcome, as long as McDonald’s or Little Caesars is an option in the event of a cooking disaster. “


Photo: Cucumber Melon Refresher basic ingredients - in generous measure

Photo: Ready to blend, no liquid needed 

Photo: Frothy mixture of fruit and vegetable

Photo: Straining the pulp is a recommended step

otm-inthegalley.blogspot.com Cucumber Melon Refresher

Cucumber Melon Refresher
adapted from Amy's Cooking Adventures (link

Makes 1 serving

1 cup seedless watermelon, cut in chunks
1/2 cup strawberries, cleaned & hulled (optional)
splash of lime juice (optional)
1/2 cup cucumber, peeled & seeded
1 sprig mint, 6-8 large leaves
1/2 cup Sprite, or other lemon-lime soda
1 oz white rum or tequila (optional)
  1. Place the watermelon, strawberries (optional) cucumber and mint into a blender. Blend until smooth.  
  2. Use a fine-mesh sieve and strain the mixture into a bowl, discarding the pulp.
  3. Pour the strained juice into a glass. Stir in the Sprite and lime juice (optional). Add liquor and ice, if desired.
  4. Garnish with a slice of cucumber, a chunk of watermelon, a sprig of mint and/or a fat, ripe strawberry. Enjoy!  



24 comments:

  1. So glad you enjoyed the drink during your heat wave!! LOVE the idea of adding strawberries (and of course the tequila!!) and can't wait until summer finally reaches the midwest!

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    Replies
    1. Our heat wave is over, cool and rainy weather has returned, and your Bacon Corn Chowder sounds very tempting right now.

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  2. How perfect for the hot summer weather ahead.

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    Replies
    1. Just one month into Spring and we can hardly wait for REAL summer to arrive along with sweet watermelon.

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  3. Great for summer. It looks so refreshing.

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    Replies
    1. It IS a pretty drink, and a base for a lot of add-in flavors.

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  4. I'll be keeping this recipe for the hot weather. Looks amazingly refreshing

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    Replies
    1. I might try freezing some melon cubes so we can pretend it's summer year around.

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  5. It looks so refreshing and perfect for a hot summer's day!

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    Replies
    1. I'm already missing last week's heat wave, but the photo brings back that hot summery feeling.

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  6. Oh my gosh, that looks and sounds so delicious and refreshing - I will definitely be trying that this summer!

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    Replies
    1. ,,,delicious and refreshing, and don't forget easy and fast! :>)

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  7. I love that this can be non-alcoholic. Thanks.

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    Replies
    1. It IS versatile that way, always a good thing.

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  8. This is a beautiful drink that looks so refreshing and just in time for the hot summer months. This is a great recipe choice for the SRC.
    Have a fun week!
    Miz Helen

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Miz Helen, we ARE having a fun week... and experimenting with other fruits to create new drinks.

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  9. This refresher looks just like it should - refreshing! Sounds great for a hot summer day. :)

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    Replies
    1. I'm freezing some in ice cube trays to try in a slushy version and popsicles sound tempting too. Now I need an unending series of hot summer days. :>)

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  10. That's just so pretty! I love watermelon and throw in some cucumber and talk about refreshing. Great choice!
    Nicole @ Daily Dish Recipes

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  11. Thanks Nicole. Your Sweet Basil & Cucumber Melon Smoothie sounds pretty refreshing too.

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  12. This looks so delicious and refreshing--a perfect summer treat. Love it!

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    Replies
    1. Perhaps a good match with some of the treats you highlight on your Cookie Princess blog. :>)

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  13. Yum! This sounds perfect for those hot summer days when I come in from weeding and watering the garden! I love the idea of using the strawberries, but watermelon sounds just dandy, too!
    Have just found your blog ... you have a great thing going here!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping by, Susan. This drink could be my new favorite beverage.

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