Gluten Free Jalapeno Cucumber Lemonade

Gluten Free Jalapeno Cucumber Lemonade

A hint of heat adds an unexpected twist to this gluten free refreshing summertime favorite. The key to striking the right balance with this recipe is to start with small amounts of jalapeno and gradually add more until you find just the right level of spice to suit your tastes. It’s a lot easier to add more than it is to adjust everything else to compensate for too much heat.

This recipe is great on its own or mixed with vodka or tequila for an adults-only treat.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: none
Serves: 4-6

Ingredients:

3 c. water
¾ c. fresh lemon juice (6-8 medium lemons)
1 large cucumber, peeled and cut into chunks
2 t. jalapeno pepper, seeds removed, finely minced
1/3 c. honey, preferably local

Optional Garnishes:

Rosemary sprigs with lower leaves removed
Cucumber chunks or slices
Jalapeno chunks or slices
Lemon wedges

Directions:

Add water, lemon juice, cucumber, jalapeno, and honey to a blender and blend until completely liquefied. Taste and add more jalapeno and/or honey, if desired. Blend again if necessary.

Pour liquid through a fine mesh strainer to remove any larger particles and transfer mixture to a large pitcher. Place in refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

To serve, pour over ice and garnish with slices of lemon, cucumber, and/or jalapeno. For a fancier presentation, thread chunks of cucumber and jalapeno onto sprigs of rosemary to garnish each glass.

Enjoy!

Kathy

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To blend this drink up I used my Vitamix Blender. I have mentioned this blender before in several previous posts and it is one of the staples in my kitchen!! This blender works wonders and is super versatile. I make myself breakfast smoothies every morning and this thing can blend up the ice with no chucks or chips left in the container. Not only is it perfect for smoothies but it works for soups, chopping veggies, and so much more. The Vitamix can also be used as a food processor. Click on the link to check it out!!

For juicing citrus I find it easier to use a citrus squeezer then just juicing by hand. This citrus squeezer is made of metal and works perfectly for the recipe above. This juicer works with limes, lemons, and small oranges to extract every last bit of the yummy juice from the citrus while saving your hands from all the squeezing. Best part is it comes with a lifetime warranty so if it every breaks just contact the company and they will fit it! Click on the link to check it out and get one for your kitchen!!