Go Back

Cucumber Cooler

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
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.