Cucumber mint lemonade

Ingredients:

2-3 large hot-house cucumbers (those really long skinny ones)
3 cups of freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 bunch of mint, leaves removed (about 2 1/2 cups)
1 1/2 cup sugar dissolved into 1/4 cup water
3 cups cold water

Vodka (optional)

Directions:

Dissolve the sugar and water in a pan over moderate heat until clear and simmering on the edges.  Allow to cool completely (I just chuck it in the freezer for 15 minutes).

Peel and roughly chop the cucumbers.  Add them, the lemon juice, mint leaves, and sugar syrup in a blender and puree.  Taste and adjust the flavors to your liking, remembering that the mixture will be diluted with water.  Pour the puree through a sieve and add the water, just two cups at first.  Taste, and add the extra cup if it suits your palette. Pour into a glass with a few ice cubes, a sprig of mint and a shot of vodka for a sophisticated and dangerously refreshing cocktail.  Enjoy!