Cucumber Juice Is the Surprising Addition Every Brunch Needs

Let’s be honest, when you’re sitting down at a table piled high with pancakes, frittatas and bacon galore, do you really want to toss back a glass of OJ, too? Frankly, we’d rather consume our carbs than drink them.

That’s where cucumber juice comes in. Slightly sweet, slightly bitter, it’s really damn refreshing and, most importantly, won’t fill you up. It’s delicious with a lime or orange wedge, poured over ice and seltzer or mixed with vodka. And before you ask: No, it’s not the same thing as cucumber-infused water.

Curious? It’s really easy to whip up. Simply peel and chop an English cucumber, add it to a pot with 1 cup of water and 1 tablespoon of sugar and cook it until it’s tender (about 10 minutes). Puree it in your blender, strain into a pitcher and chill before serving.

Make an extra plate of pancakes to go along with the cucumber juice, and just like that, you’re the hostess with the mostess.

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