Ingredients:
- 2 liters filtered or mineral water, chilled
- 2 cups ice cubes
- 1 medium English cucumber (approx. 250g)
- 0.5 cup fresh mint leaves (approx. 15g)
- 0.5 organic lemon, sliced into rounds (optional)
Instructions:
- Thoroughly wash the cucumber. Using a mandoline or sharp chef's knife, slice into paper-thin rounds or long ribbons.
- Place mint leaves in the palm of your hand and clap firmly once to bruise the leaves, releasing essential oils without creating bitterness.
- Place the cucumber slices and bruised mint (plus optional lemon) at the bottom of a 2-liter glass pitcher.
- Use a long-handled wooden spoon to gently press the ingredients against the bottom of the pitcher to encourage juice release.
- Fill the pitcher halfway with ice to secure the botanicals at the bottom.
- Pour the chilled filtered water over the ice and botanicals. Stir gently in a circular motion.
- Allow the water to cold-steep for 2 hours before serving for maximum flavor extraction.