There are many different ways to make this recipe, but it came about because I received cucumbers in my Ugly CSA box, and had to come up with something to make sure nothing went to waste!

After slicing what I needed for a salad, I used the rest for this recipe; it turned out to be PERFECT for the Shabbat dinner I was hosting outside on a warm Summer day.

CUCUMBER MINT JULEPS

First, peel a cucumber. Cut 8-ish ¼ inch slices. Save for later. Take your remaining cucumber and blend using a food processor, immersion blender, etc. Feel free to strain if you prefer it smooth. Add sugar, water, and cucumber juice to a small saucepan and stir on medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Reduce heat to low and cook for two minutes. Remove from heat and let sit for 10 minutes or until cooled. Strain through a fine mesh strainer to remove cucumber (if preferred). Store in refrigerator until you’re ready to mix your beverage.

When it’s party time, take some of your mint leaves and muddle using the back of a wooden spoon; something that will break open the leaves just enough, but not enough to pulverize them. When you start to smell the minty aroma, it’s time to stop muddling.

Add 1-2oz of Bourbon (depending on your preference), 1-2 of the cucumber simple syrup mixture (to taste), and a slice of cucumber that you saved. Add some ice and give it a stir or shake it up.

Voila! You have a fresh & easy summer time beverage to share with your guests!

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