When summer comes we get so excited about all of the fresh fruit – the kids have already starting gorging themselves on blueberries and strawberries. I’m always on the lookout for new ways to sneak in more fresh fruits and veggies, and lately smoothies, iced drinks and popsicles have been a bit hit. Because even though it’s packed with good stuff for you it always feels more like a treat when it’s frozen.
But am I the only one who finds picking a watermelon stressful? You never know quite what you’re getting, and you feel like a total chump if you pick a bad one. Are there watermelon picking tricks? I look it over, knock on it a bit, all in an effort to look like I know what I’m doing. Because suddenly I feel like all of the other produce shoppers are watching me, smirking.
Ok, so maybe I’m a little paranoid. But, oh man, if you get a good one? Heaven!
Fortunately my first watermelon of the season was juicy, sweet perfection. A good omen, right? After cutting up the watermelon, I used half for this drink and ate the other half standing over the sink. And it was awesome.
Watermelon Cucumber Slush
Combine the following in a blender:
- 1 cucumber (peeled and cut into chunks)
- 4 cups watermelon
- 1/4 cup mint leaves
- 3 tablespoons raw sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon or lime juice
Blend together and then pour through a fine mesh strainer. Discard solids.
Combine watermelon juice with 2 cups of ice in a blender and pulse till slushy. Best served immediately but you can also freeze any leftovers.
This tastes like summer in a glass. Watermelon and cucumber is an unexpected combination that’s pretty darn refreshing when it’s 90 degrees out. And, yes, it is already 90 degrees.
What’s your favorite drink to enjoy when it gets hot?
13
i always try to pick a melon that seems heavy for it’s size. I’m the girl in the store whi picks up ALL THE MELONS just to be sure i have the heaviest one for its size lol
yumm so refreshing :)
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Sounds delicious! And I just learned this year the trick to picking good watermelons, and so far I’ve had a 100% success rate! You want a fair sized yellow spot. That’s where the watermelon sat on the ground so if it’s not yellow enough, it didn’t get to ripen enough. You also want that weird ugly looking, rough webbing. That’s caused when the bees pollinate the flower of the plant, and the more pollination, the sweeter the fruit!
Looks yummy
Wow. Looks delicious. Craving for it now.
Oh my! Wow, this looks soooo refreshing. I think I need that ASAP. It’s been super hot here, like 93-96 degrees kinda hot and this looks like the perfect summer drink!
We always choose watermelon with a big yellow spot. That’s where it sat on the ground while it grew. If there’s no yellow spot it was picked too soon and won’t be as sweet. :)
I don’t understand how it got to be so hot out already. But at least it’s a good excuse to make this drink. :)
I wish it were only 90 degrees outside. It is approximately 108 degrees outside my apartment building, and this drink sounds quite refreshing.
that looks yummy and so pretty too!
Sounds so refreshing
I will have to try it, especially since I bought a watermelon today, but forgot I already had one in the outside fridge LOL
Brett
i don’t like watermelon at all (i love artificial watermelon…weird, right?) but this recipe looks sooooo good!
Now it is an Arnold Palmer or a Cherry Limeaide.
How did you know I was craving watermelon? This looks refreshing!
This looks delicious and refreshing! Perfect for hot summer days. :)
I’ve been wanting to make a watermelon drink for summer too but I froze the watermelon and it got freezer burned. Boo. This looks great! I never thought to pair watermelon with cucumber; sounds refreshing!
These have to be heavenly! I saved the recipe in my favorite to make on a warm, sunny day this summer ^.^ x