Watermelon Cucumber Lemonade

It's summer and that means one thing for people who have their own gardens: too much cucumber and too much zucchini. Thankfully I am able to fully benefit from my friend's first world problems. I am more then happy to take this off their hands. With only so many things you can do with cucumber, I decided to use a few and experiment with different drinks. This non-alcoholic summer beverage is a perfect addition to your recipe repertoire.

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Sweet watermelon, crisp cucumber and fresh lemon juice combine into a perfectly sweet and refreshing drink for everyone to enjoy.
 
Watermelon Cucumber Lemonade
yields 10 cups
1 lb of watermelon, medium chunks
8 oz of cucumber, skin on, medium chunks
1/2 cup light agave
10 cups water, divided
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice

Combine the watermelon, cucumber, agave and 2 cups of water in a blender and blend until smooth.
Strain out the pulp and seeds and discard.
Combine the juice with the remaining 8 cups of water and fresh lemon juice. Stir to combine.
Chill and serve!

Strawberry Tarragon Sparkler

Everyone needs a great recipe for a summer time mocktail and this one is your new go-to drink! 

other alcohol free drinks:
Rhubarb Lemonade
Cantaloupe Carrot Peach

Muddled fresh strawberries, tarragon simple syrup, mixed berry sparkling water and refreshing coconut water chill out with ice for a perfect porch-people watching drink.

Strawberry Tarragon Sparkler
1 pitcher: serves 4
tarragon simple syrup:
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup turbinado sugar
2 whole sprigs fresh tarragon

Combine the water, sugar and whole tarragon sprigs in a small pot and bring to a boil. Cook for 2 minutes then remove from heat and chill completely. Remove the tarragon leaves.

strawberry tarragon sparkler:
1 lb strawberries, roughly chopped
1 tbl fresh tarragon leaves, roughly chopped
4 cups mixed berry sparkling water
4 cups coconut water
1 batch tarragon simple syrup, to taste
2 cups of ice

In the bottom of a pitcher, muddle the strawberries and tarragon leaves together.
Add the sparkling water, coconut water and simple syrup to taste. Chill until ready to drink then add ice.