Ingredients
- 2 medium fresh cucumbers
- 2 medium crisp apples
- 4 cups cold water
- 1–2 cups ice cubes
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (optional)
- 4–6 fresh mint leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse both cucumbers and apples under cool running water, rubbing gently with your fingers to remove any dirt or residue.
- Cut each cucumber into large chunks, leaving the skin on for maximum fiber and nutrients in your cucumber-apple cooler recipe.
- Core both apples and cut them into large chunks, removing any bruised or damaged sections as you work.
- Place the prepared cucumber and apple pieces into your blender or food processor.
- Pour 2 cups of cold filtered water into the blender with the cucumber and apple pieces.
- Blend on high speed for 60 to 90 seconds until the mixture reaches a smooth consistency and becomes the base of your cucumber-apple cooler recipe.
- Stop the blender and check the texture, blending for an additional 30 seconds if large chunks remain.
- Place a fine-mesh strainer over a large pitcher or bowl to prepare for filtering your cucumber-apple cooler recipe.
- Pour the blended mixture through the strainer, using the back of a spoon to gently press the solids and extract maximum liquid.
- Discard the remaining pulp or save it for smoothie bowls and other recipes.
- Add the optional lemon juice to the strained liquid and stir well to incorporate the brightening flavor into your cucumber-apple cooler recipe.
- Add the remaining 2 cups of cold water to the cucumber-apple cooler recipe and stir until thoroughly combined.
- Fill four glasses with ice cubes or chill the entire pitcher in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Pour the cucumber-apple cooler recipe into prepared glasses over ice.
- Garnish each glass with a fresh mint leaf or thin cucumber slice if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
Chef Tips: Select peak-season produce during summer and fall when they are freshest. Chill all ingredients before blending for at least one hour to prevent excessive dilution from melting ice. Use a high-powered blender to create a silky, luxurious texture. Don’t over-blend to avoid oxidizing the mixture and diminishing the flavor profile. Strain thoroughly using a fine-mesh strainer and press the pulp gently to maximize juice yield. Serve immediately within 30 minutes of preparation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending and Straining
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 18mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 0.7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
