Keep This In Mind When Adding Cucumbers To Mixed Drinks

A refreshing slice of cucumber is the perfect addition to some drinks. But be warned: There's an emphasis on the "some." A cucumber gin gimlet, a margarita, or a lime agua fresca — something about this fruit screams hydration. However, cucumbers contain natural compounds named cucurbitacins, giving them a somewhat bitter taste. Translated into recipe-speak, these compounds complement peppery, citrus, and aromatic herbs. For instance, they can pair well with beverages that contain elderflower such as the white linen cocktail.

Cucurbitacins are highly oxygenated and play a serious role, acting as the fruit's natural defense against would-be attackers such as insects. While the current focus is on cucumbers' biological makeup, pest-repelling flavors are an important factor to consider when using various plant products to make drinks. There's always a degree of experimentation involved in creating mixed beverages. Gather plenty of ingredients beforehand to compare, contrast, and determine your preferred mixes. Creating smaller samples of cucumber-incorporating drinks is wise to avoid unnecessary wastage.

There are dozens of refreshing cucumber recipes to peruse. It pairs well with non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, leaving flexible options for anything from garden party tipples to morning health kicks. The cooling, quite musky quality is an effective neutralizer for typically sharper taste profiles. A vodka with cucumber has a balanced nuance, while botanical gins are perfect candidates given their herby characteristics. Similarly, it's a tasty addition to ginger shots or homemade lemonade.

Garnishing is a popular way to introduce cucumber elements into drinks. It's also possible to infuse it in water. Infusion requires placing the sliced fruit in a jar with ice to keep the cucumber entirely submerged, leaving. For optimal results, the concoction should be left overnight before draining to truly accrue a distinctive enough flavor. As an optional extra step, you can freeze the cucumber infusions — simply drop them into drinks later for ready-made, flavorsome ice. Learning how to make infused ice cubes for cocktails is a handy trick to have up your sleeve.