Cucumber-Lemonade Spritzers

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup water
• 6 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 1/2 cups diced peeled cucumber
• 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon minced peeled fresh ginger
• 2 cups sparkling water, chilled
• 1 small cucumber, cut lengthwise into 4 spears (optional)

Preparation

1. Combine 3/4 cup water and sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil; cook until sugar dissolves, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; cool.
2. Place sugar mixture, diced cucumber, lemon juice, and ginger in a blender; process until smooth. Cover and chill.
3. Combine cucumber mixture and sparkling water in a pitcher; stir gently with a whisk until blended. Serve over ice; garnish each glass with a cucumber spear, if desired.