Cooking for Wellness
Spa in a Pitcher
Try this refreshing and hydrating drink during the summer! It blends citrus, cucumbers and herbs for a flavorful alternative to cocktails or other sugary drinks.
Meyer lemons are a cross between a regular lemon and mandarin orange, so they are a bit sweeter. If you cannot find Meyer lemons, you can use regular lemon juice, but start with half of the amount of juice called for in the recipe and taste before adding more.
Yields
- 8 cups
Ingredients
- 1 orange, thinly sliced into rounds
- 1 Meyer lemon, thinly sliced into rounds
- 1 unpeeled English cucumber, thinly sliced into rounds
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme, tarragon, or mint or fennel fronds, or a combination
- 1 Tbsp freshly squeezed Meyer lemon juice
- 8 cups water or sparkling water
Instructions
- Put the orange, lemon, cucumber, herbs, and lemon juice in a large pitcher. Press the fruit, cucumber, and herbs against the bottom of the pitcher with a wooden spoon, pushing down and twisting slightly to release their juices and volatile oils.
- Add the water and stir to combine. Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.
Variation: In place of the water, use a weak tea made with 8 cups of boiling water and 4 chamomile, ginger, or green tea bags. Let the tea cool to room temperature before adding it to the pitcher.