Recipe Fundamentals
A cucumber cooler is a refreshing cocktail that combines the crispness of cucumber with zesty lime and aromatic mint.
This drink is perfect for hot summer days or anytime you need a cool, revitalizing beverage.
• Cucumber
• Lime
• Mint leaves
• Ice
• Sugar or simple syrup
• Vodka or gin (optional)
• Soda water
To make a cucumber cooler, you’ll need to muddle cucumber slices with mint leaves and lime juice in a cocktail shaker.
Then, add ice and your choice of sweetener before shaking the mixture vigorously.
Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice and top with soda water for a bubbly finish.
Essential Ingredients
Fresh cucumber is the star of this drink.
Choose firm, crisp cucumbers for the best flavor.
Limes provide a tangy kick – about half a lime per drink is ideal.
Mint leaves add a refreshing herbal note.
You’ll need ice to chill the drink and sugar or simple syrup to balance the tartness.
For an alcoholic version, vodka or gin work well.
Soda water gives the cooler its signature fizz.
Experiment with proportions to suit your taste.
A typical ratio is 2 ounces of spirits, 1 ounce of lime juice, and 3-4 cucumber slices per drink.
Kitchen Tools Required
You need a muddler to extract cucumber juice and mint oils.
If you don’t have one, use the back of a wooden spoon.
A cocktail shaker helps blend ingredients thoroughly.
But, you can use a large jar with a tight-fitting lid instead.
A sharp knife and cutting board are needed for slicing cucumbers and limes.
A citrus juicer makes quick work of extracting lime juice.
A jigger or small measuring cup ensures consistent proportions.
For straining, a Hawthorne strainer or fine-mesh sieve works well.
Serve your cooler in tall glasses to show off its lovely green color.
Don’t forget a stirring spoon and garnishes like cucumber wheels or mint sprigs.