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Sparkling Orchid Cucumber Limeade | The Recipe ReDux

Sparkling Orchid Cucumber Limeade | The Recipe ReDux

Sparkling Orchid Cucumber Limeade | Teaspoonofspice.com

Our dietetic intern from Penn State, Larissa, just completed a four week rotation with us and is guest posting for us today.~ Deanna

Nature provides some of the best gifts in summer, abundant fruits and veggies and my personal favorite: flowers. In the spring and summer months, different flowers bloom at different times and the way I see it, they’re like the gift that keeps on giving. Think of the beautiful colors, scents, and the surprise of when they first begin to bud.

Now imagine the taste, yes taste. Edible flowers are something that has recently come under my radar.

It began with the June Recipe ReDux theme and blossomed into an exploration of all things edible flowers (pun intended!) I danced around with the idea of honeysuckles and loved Carlene @ Healthfully Ever After’s simplistic yet unique Honeysuckle Simple Syrup. I also was inspired by Marla @ Family Fresh Cooking‘s beautiful Spring Bouquet Popsicles.

Ultimately, as I am no botanist, I decided to go with some ~non-poisonous~ lusciously purple orchids from Gentile’s Produce to compliment my homemade Sparkling Orchid Cucumber Limeade.

Sparkling Orchid Cucumber Limeade | Teaspoonofspice.com

This crisp and refreshing beverage can be enjoyed at a cookout or just hangin’ by the pool. I would even go as far as to suggest trying it with spirits if you’re in that mood.  I would recommend tequila or rum. My personal favorite is Bacardi Pineapple Fusion Rum. Mmmm hmmm.

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Sparkling Orchid Cucumber Limeade


  • Yield: approximately 4 servings. 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • ¾ cup diced cucumber, peeled and seeded (about 1 medium cucumber)
  • ¼ cup cold water
  • ¼ cup fresh squeezed lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 12 tablespoon agave syrup or honey
  • 1 cup ice (approximation)
  • 12 ounce seltzer or sparkling water
  • Lime slices for garnish
  • Edible orchids for garnish
  • Cucumber slices for garnish

Instructions

  1. Blend cucumber with water until smooth.
  2. Add lime juice, agave, and ice and blend until mixture becomes a slushy consistency. Add more agave for a sweeter drink.
  3. Pour approximately ¼ cup slushy mixture in serving glasses and top with seltzer.
  4. Garnish glasses with a lime slice and edible orchid. Float a cucumber slice.

As for the flavor of the flower, I imagined it to be sweet and a little tangy but truth be told, it was quite bland. Moral of the story, edible orchids are a fun way to add flare without much effort and really impress your guests!

Sparkling Orchid Cucumber Limeade | Teaspoonofspice.com

Have you ever cooked with flowers? What have you made? Any favorite floral flavors/scents? 
Check out the ReDuxers creations below and click here for Round #2 of Flower Power!


Glenda @ Healthy Stories

Saturday 5th of July 2014

I had absolutely no idea that orchids were edible. I've never really been one for using flowers as garnish in food, but I've got to admit that your drink looks just delightful.

Gemma Critchley

Thursday 26th of June 2014

Looks gorgeous and very impressive! Love how the expectation and the reality of what it tastes like don't quite match up - I had similar issues! :)

Alison - Balanced with Allie

Wednesday 25th of June 2014

I am going to try this at my next get together! Looks like a hit! =)

grain crazy

Monday 23rd of June 2014

This looks so refreshing. Beautiful picture. too.

Jennifer@Nourished Simply

Sunday 22nd of June 2014

This looks so pretty. Perfect island drink. Love to see Penn Staters mentoring Penn State students!!

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