Cucumber Basil Sparkling Lemonade
Happy Friday! I'm an SO excited about today's post because I get to share with you one of the most gorgeous concoctions that you'll find in my friend Lily's book, Kale & Caramel: Recipes for Body, Heart, and Table. Lily is the mad genius behind the beautiful blog, Kale And Caramel, a space where she shares her love for food that nourishes the mind and body. With every one of her posts, she takes her readers on both a written and visual journey. She has such a wonderful way with words—able to draw you into her life in an refreshingly raw and honest fashion. Needless to say I feel quite fortunate to know her, and even luckier to call her a friend.
Lily's book is simply a beautiful extension of her blog. From the first word and image until the last, Lilly has created a book that tantalizes both mind and eye. She's provided a wide variety of recipes even outside the realm of cuisine which highlights the use of herbs and flowers. Tasty things to eat and drink rest comfortably alongside guides to home-made body care products. I have to be honest and say that I want to make every single recipe in this book.
I've already made a few recipes from Lily's book, and this wonderfully vibrant drink is one of my favorites. Fresh lemon juice is blended with cucumber, basil, and topped off with a little soda water to create a drink that's refreshing and energizing. Just the smell of this drink alone is enough to awaken me from my midday slump. With sunnier days coming my way I know this is something I'll be making again and again.
I love this book so much that I'm giving away one copy of KALE & CARAMEL: Recipes for Body, Heart and Table over on Instagram to one lucky person. Click here to enter, contest ends Sunday, March 30th. Must reside in the US to enter. This book comes out May 2nd, so make sure to get out there an grab yourself a copy!
Sparkling Cucumber Basil Lemonade
Recipe via the Kale & Caramel cookbook
3-inch length of cucumber, chilled and coarsely chopped ( about 1/2 cup), plus some extra slices for garnish
2 to 3 fresh basil leave, plus more for garnish
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, plus lemon slices for garnish
1/4 cup still water
1 tbs honey or agave nectar
3/4 cup sparking water, or more to taste
Method
Add the chopped cucumber to a blender or food processor with the basil, lemon juice, still water, and honey. Blend until smooth, then distribute evenly between two glasses.
Add the sparkling water, agin splitting evenly between the glasses. Drop in a few ice cubes, and garnish with cucumber slices, lemon slices, and basil as desired.