Cucumber Cooler: A Refreshing Cocktail Recipe for Girls

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Cucumber Cooler

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Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Equipment

• Equipment Needed:
• Cocktail shaker
• Muddler (or the back of a spoon if you don’t have one)
• Strainer
• Highball glass
• Measuring jigger or shot glass

Ingredients

  

• Ingredients
• 1 small cucumber thinly sliced
• 2 oz gin or vodka for a variation
• 1 oz fresh lime juice about half a lime
• 1 oz simple syrup or use honey/agave for a healthier alternative
• 4 oz soda water or tonic water
• Ice cubes
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

 

• Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
• Start by slicing the cucumber thinly. You'll only need about half a cucumber for one drink, but the rest can be saved for a garnish or extra rounds!
• Step 2: Muddle the Cucumber
• In your cocktail shaker, add a handful of cucumber slices (about 3-4 slices) and a few fresh mint leaves. Using a muddler (or the back of a spoon), gently press the cucumber and mint to release their flavors. Be careful not to crush them too hard you want the juice, not a mashed pulp.
• Step 3: Add Gin and Lime Juice
• Next, pour in 2 oz of gin and 1 oz of fresh lime juice. The lime adds a tart kick that pairs perfectly with the coolness of the cucumber.
• Step 4: Sweeten it Up
• Add 1 oz of simple syrup. For a healthier option, swap this out for honey or agave syrup. This adds a touch of sweetness without overpowering the other flavors.
• Step 5: Shake and Strain
• Fill the shaker with ice, and give everything a good shake for about 15-20 seconds to chill the drink. Strain the liquid into a highball glass filled with ice.
• Step 6: Add the Fizz
• Top off your drink with soda water or tonic water, depending on your preference. Soda water keeps it lighter, while tonic water adds a touch of bitterness.
• Step 7: Garnish and Serve
• Garnish your Cucumber Cooler with a few extra cucumber slices and a sprig of mint. It’s the little details that make it feel fancy!
• Variations & Substitutions
• Alcohol-Free Option: Simply skip the gin and add a splash of elderflower syrup for a non-alcoholic version. This turns the Cucumber Cooler into a refreshing mocktail, perfect for girls’ night without the booze.
• Lower-Calorie Version: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of simple syrup, and stick to soda water for a low-calorie cocktail.
• Herbal Twist: Replace mint with basil or cilantro for a different herbal flavor that pairs well with cucumber.
• Dietary Adjustments: If you’re watching your sugar intake, go for agave syrup or stevia instead of simple syrup. You can also use a sugar-free tonic water to reduce calories further.

If you’re looking for a light and refreshing cocktail that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion, the Cucumber Cooler is the perfect choice. From my own personal experience, this drink is a crowd-pleaser, and it’s a great option whether you’re hosting a summer party or simply unwinding after a long day. It’s crisp, cooling, and delightfully versatile.

What to Expect

From my overall experience, you can expect a light, refreshing, and perfectly balanced cocktail that’s neither too sweet nor too strong. The cucumber provides a cool and soothing base, while the lime and mint keep it vibrant. The simplicity of this recipe makes it perfect for beginners who are looking to experiment with cocktail-making without needing tons of fancy ingredients.

Ingredients

• 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
• 2 oz gin (or vodka for a variation)
• 1 oz fresh lime juice (about half a lime)
• 1 oz simple syrup (or use honey/agave for a healthier alternative)
• 4 oz soda water or tonic water
• Ice cubes
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish
• Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making  ##Cucumber Cooler  here 

Equipment Needed

• Cocktail shaker
• Muddler (or the back of a spoon if you don’t have one)
• Strainer
• Highball glass
• Measuring jigger or shot glass
• Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making  ##Cucumber Cooler  here 

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 120 (with gin and simple syrup)
• Servings: 1 cocktail
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: None
• Total Time: 5-7 minutes
• Cost of Ingredients: Around $10 (depending on your choice of alcohol and sweeteners)

Step-by-Step Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by slicing the cucumber thinly. You’ll only need about half a cucumber for one drink, but the rest can be saved for a garnish or extra rounds!

Step 2: Muddle the Cucumber

In your cocktail shaker, add a handful of cucumber slices (about 3-4 slices) and a few fresh mint leaves. Using a muddler (or the back of a spoon), gently press the cucumber and mint to release their flavors. Be careful not to crush them too hard you want the juice, not a mashed pulp.

Step 3: Add Gin and Lime Juice

Next, pour in 2 oz of gin and 1 oz of fresh lime juice. The lime adds a tart kick that pairs perfectly with the coolness of the cucumber.

Step 4: Sweeten it Up

Add 1 oz of simple syrup. For a healthier option, swap this out for honey or agave syrup. This adds a touch of sweetness without overpowering the other flavors.

Step 5: Shake and Strain

Fill the shaker with ice, and give everything a good shake for about 15-20 seconds to chill the drink. Strain the liquid into a highball glass filled with ice.

Step 6: Add the Fizz

Top off your drink with soda water or tonic water, depending on your preference. Soda water keeps it lighter, while tonic water adds a touch of bitterness.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Garnish your Cucumber Cooler with a few extra cucumber slices and a sprig of mint. It’s the little details that make it feel fancy!

Variations & Substitutions

• Alcohol-Free Option: Simply skip the gin and add a splash of elderflower syrup for a non-alcoholic version. This turns the Cucumber Cooler into a refreshing mocktail, perfect for girls’ night without the booze.
• Lower-Calorie Version: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of simple syrup, and stick to soda water for a low-calorie cocktail.
• Herbal Twist: Replace mint with basil or cilantro for a different herbal flavor that pairs well with cucumber.
• Dietary Adjustments: If you’re watching your sugar intake, go for agave syrup or stevia instead of simple syrup. You can also use a sugar-free tonic water to reduce calories further.
• Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making  ##Cucumber Cooler  here 

Quick Meal Facts

• Ease of Cooking: Very easy – perfect for beginners!
• Servings: 1
• Calories: 120 per serving (depending on the choice of ingredients)
• Cost of Ingredients: Around $10-15 depending on the alcohol brand and sweeteners used.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Too Sweet: If your drink ends up too sweet, you can balance it by adding more lime juice or switching to soda water instead of tonic.
• Weak Flavor: Don’t be afraid to add more cucumber or mint when muddling. Cucumber has a subtle taste, so extra slices won’t hurt.
• Flat Soda: Always use freshly opened soda water or tonic water. Flat soda can make the drink taste dull.

Notes

• The Cucumber Cooler is extremely versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes, from light salads to grilled fish.
• Because of its low alcohol content and refreshing flavor, this is a great cocktail for outdoor gatherings, especially during the warmer months.
• You’ll love how quick and easy this cocktail is to make it’s practically foolproof!