Mango Cucumber Slushie

It’s summer! And thanks to this drink, I’m cool as a cucumber. I’m all about the clean, refreshing quality of cucumbers in a cool beverage, whether it’s sliced into ice water or blended into something special like this. It makes me feel like equal parts fancy spa-goer and healthy hippie! This frosty drink is a festive way to stay hydrated in the summer heat, and to sip on some extra fruits and veggies at the same time. It’s perfect for cooling down after a workout, or just for filling your glass with something fun and fruity while relaxing on a patio… did I mention I’m excited about summer?

Let’s take a second to talk about terminology. It doesn’t feel right to call this drink a smoothie, because I like smoothies to be thick and substantial. This is more of a light, fruity, icy refreshment. I’m aware that slushies have some ugly connotations (mainly as artificially colored and flavored, gas-station-procured sugar bombs), but I feel compelled to use that name anyway. It just captures the sense of fun!

Of course I use the old Mason Jar Blender Trick, because our precious summer moments are not meant to be spent washing dirty blenders.

This drink is smooth and botanically sweet on its own, but if you’re feeling creative it is also welcoming to additions. I think a few leaves of fresh mint would be especially refreshing. And if you’re on a health kick, a handful of kale would blend in pretty easily, and really green things up!

(Think it could use some booze? I’m sticking with the kale, but your secret’s safe with me!)