Can I batch this cocktail for a party?

Yes! Just scale up the ingredients, mix them in a pitcher, and refrigerate. Serve over ice as guests arrive. Give it a good stir before pouring so the cream stays blended.

Can I make a Cucumber Cooler without alcohol?

Absolutely! Just skip the gin or vodka and add a bit more soda water or even a splash of tonic. The cucumber, lime, and mint will still shine through.

What spirit works best—gin or vodka?

Both are great choices! Gin will add more botanical complexity, while vodka keeps the flavor more neutral and lets the cucumber and mint really stand out.

How do I make cucumber ribbons for garnish?

Use a vegetable peeler to slice long, thin ribbons from a cucumber. Curl one inside the glass or twirl it onto a cocktail pick for a stylish presentation.

Cucumber Cooler

Name: Cucumber Cooler
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1 serving
Cuisine: Cocktail
Ingredients: 4 pieces Cucumber slices; 2 oz Gin or vodka; 0.75 oz Fresh lime juice; 0.5 oz Simple syrup; 2 oz Soda water; 4 pieces Mint leaves; 1 cup Ice cubes

The Cucumber Cooler is the ultimate refreshment in a glass—crisp, cool, and incredibly revitalizing. Perfect for hot summer days or anytime you want to feel refreshed, this cocktail combines fresh cucumber, bright citrus, and a splash of gin or vodka for a clean, garden-fresh experience. It's light, vibrant, and a little bit sophisticated, making it an ideal choice for picnics, brunches, or a relaxing evening on the patio.

5 minutesEasy1 serving

Featured

Ingredients

1 serving

Cucumber slices
4 pieces
Fresh, about 1/4-inch thick
Gin or vodka
60 ml (2 oz)
Choose your favorite
Fresh lime juice
25 ml (0.75 oz)
About half a lime
Simple syrup
15 ml (0.5 oz)
Adjust to taste
Soda water
60 ml (2 oz)
To top, chilled
Mint leaves
4 pieces
Fresh, plus extra for garnish
Ice cubes
1 cup
As needed

Tools Needed

Cocktail shaker
Muddler
Strainer
Jigger
Highball glass
Bar spoon

Instructions

Add cucumber slices and mint leaves to your cocktail shaker.
Muddle gently to release the flavors without pulverizing the cucumber.
Add gin or vodka, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and fill the shaker with ice.
Shake vigorously for about 10 seconds until well chilled.
Strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice.
Top with chilled soda water and stir gently to combine.
Garnish with a cucumber ribbon and a sprig of mint.

Why You'll Love This Cocktail

Super refreshing and hydrating, thanks to fresh cucumber.
Light and low in calories—perfect for daytime sipping.
Pairs well with gin or vodka, making it versatile.
Easy to customize with herbs or fruit twists.
Looks beautiful and elegant in the glass.

History & Origin

While the precise origins of the Cucumber Cooler are a bit hazy, this cocktail draws inspiration from the classic tradition of infusing spirits with fresh botanicals and herbs. Its popularity surged in the 2000s alongside the craft cocktail movement, as bartenders looked for ways to showcase fresh produce and elevate simple mixed drinks. Today, it stands as a staple in contemporary bars and backyard gatherings, beloved for its simplicity and refreshing taste.

Garnish

A thin ribbon of cucumber and a fresh mint sprig. This not only adds visual appeal but also enhances the drink’s aroma, making each sip extra refreshing.

Nutrition Info

Approx. 130 calories per serving. Contains minimal sugar, low fat, and small amounts of vitamin C from lime and cucumber.

Frequently Asked Questions

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