I’m genuinely surprised at how delicious these Cucumber Limeade Slushies are.
Like, I love cucumber. And I really like lime. Why have I never thought to put these flavors together before? And make them frosty? *mind blown*
Why are Cucumber Limeade Slushies the book-inspired recipe for Buried Seeds?
Ummm, okay. I don’t exactly remember why I chose this recipe for Buried Seeds. *cringe*
Creating a signature drink was definitely on my to-do list for this book. Author Gutiérrez runs a mixology program, and Buried Seeds main character Yolanda often meets her friends for a drink throughout the course of the novel.
However, I don’t drink alcohol. I think the taste is yicky. So, I wanted to make more of a mocktail than a cocktail.
Fast forward to when it’s time to create my book-inspired recipe. I look at my notes, and all that’s written down is “signature cucumber limeade.”
I clearly remember writing those words down. And being excited about them. I also remember wondering if I should jot down why I decided on cucumber limeade…and then going, “Nah! You’ll remember!”
Whoops.
Yeah, I still don’t know exactly why I chose cucumber limemade. But it doesn’t matter.
Cucumber Limeade Slushies are a perfect refreshing drink for Buried Seeds. I could easily imagine Yolanda ordering one of these (albeit, an alcoholic version) after a long day of trailing suspects in the Los Angeles heat.
Why I like Cucumber Limeade Slushies
Summers are getting hotAF in New Jersey (and, everywhere, really). I find myself constantly searching for refreshing, cooling drinks that aren’t carbonated and/or loaded with sugar. And that aren’t just water.
Cucumber Limeade Slushies are so refreshing. They’re my new go-to summer drink. The cucumber makes it super cooling, and I love the tart little zip from the lime juice in the mix. Honey is my sweetener of choice, mainly because it blends into a frozen drink much more easily than granulated sugar does.
I’ve been sipping on these since I made them (they freeze and thaw really well), and they are perfect for quenching my thirst without sending me into sugar or bubbly overload.
I decided to make a “slushie” version of cucumber limeade because a frozen drink makes me feel a little more celebratory. A little more summer-like. #NoRegrets
What do you serve with Cucumber Limeade Slushies?
Cucumber Limeade Slushies are delicious paired with a summer meal like Lobster Tortellini Salad, Caprese Farro Salad, or Fried Green Tomato BLTs with Lemon Basil Aioli.
Pro tip: add a few mint leaves to the blender before you whizz everything together. The fresh herb adds a delightful extra pop of flavor.
Of course, you could add booze to the Cucumber Limeade Slushies to make it an adult drink. I’m sure there’s plenty of alcohol that pairs well with cucumber and lime. Gutiérrez could recommend something!
Other refreshing (non-alcoholic) summer drinks are Mint Iced Tea, Pineapple Mint Aqua Fresca, Super Simple Lemonade, Iced Dirty Chai Lattes, and Shirley Temple Mocktails.
Cucumber Limeade Slushies
Ingredients
- 1 English cucumber, chopped
- 2 limes
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 cups ice cubes
- pinch of salt
- a few fresh mint leaves (optional)
- 1 tbsp coarse sanding sugar (for dipping)
- zest of 1 lime (for dipping)
Instructions
PREP INSTRUCTIONS
- Zest one lime and mix with coarse sugar. Place in a shallow bowl or plate. Set aside.
DRINK INSTRUCTIONS
- Juice the zested lime and the second lime, then pour all lime juice into a blender.
- Roughly chop the cucumber and add it to the blender.
- Add ice, honey, and salt to the blender, then blend according to blender instructions until slushie is thick and smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness/lime juice to your liking.
- When ready to serve Cucumber Limeade Slushies: wet your finger with tap water and run it along the rim of a serving glass, then dip the wet rim into the lime zest and sugar mixture. Repeat with second glass.
- Pour Cucumber Limeade Slushies into prepared glasses and serve immediately.
