It might seem like we’re quite the lush pair here at Minimalist Baker, but that really isn’t the case. We simply enjoy a quality cocktail every now and again, especially when it’s light, delicious and easy to make. This cucumber cooler is no exception.
When my boss was in town a few weeks ago, we all went out for drinks. It was the perfect evening really. Late summer, still warm enough to forgo a jacket, the service was spot-on, the live music was the best I’ve ever heard in Wichita, and the cocktails? Rather a dream.
John ordered a drink featuring cucumber slices and after one sip, I was quickly regretting my pinot noir. In fact, every time he turned to talk to my boss, I’d sneak sips. Rather sneaky, I am.
This recipe is as simple as it gets: gin, lime, mint, cucumber and tonic water. Even the novice bartender can throw this together at the amazement of onlooking guests. Plus, it’s easy to modify to suit each person’s taste, allowing you to please even the pickiest of palettes. For example, John prefers sour, I prefer sweet – bring on the sugar.
In just a few minutes we had a lovely cocktail on our hands. And it seemed the longer we sipped on it the better it became as the flavors were given more time to marry.
What does it taste like? A sophisticated limeade. An upgraded mojito. Cucumber water on steroids. Just try it, you will love.
Cucumber Cooler Cocktails
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz gin (1 1/2 oz equals 3 Tbsp)
- 4-6 slices cucumber
- 1/4 medium lime (sliced)
- 4 oz tonic water
- 6 mint leaves
- 1 Tbsp sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Add mint, lime, gin, and sugar (if using) to shaker and muddle.
- Add cucumber slices to shaker and shake vigorously.
- Pour mixture over glass filled with ice and top with tonic water.
- Stir, let set for a few minutes for the flavors to enhance and enjoy.
Notes
*Questions about substitutions, equipment, or troubleshooting? Check out our Recipe FAQ page.
*Nutrition information is a rough estimate.
BayAreaGal says
This has replaced my favorite cocktail at the top of the heap. And I’m the Goldilocks of cocktails. Some are too hard (strong). Some too soft and sweet. This is juuuusssssst right. :O) The only change we make is to use Elderflower Tonic Water. And if you splurge and use expensive Monkey 47 gin, it’s just Wow. Everyone we make it for loves it too.
Lovely!! Thanks for sharing!!
Yuri says
Just made this as a mocktail by just omitting the gin and used sparkling water instead…delicious!!!! Looking forward to trying it with some local gin we just purchased!
Thank you Dana!!!
We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Yuri! Thanks so much for the lovely review!
Mary says
This drink was so refreshing! I used vodka instead of gin and it turned out great!
We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Mary! Thanks so much for sharing!
Shirley says
Very refreshing!
Thanks for sharing, Shirley! xo
MaryMagdalene says
I am a wine and beer drinker who’s always enjoyed a cucumber, mint, lime cocktail when I’m out (but at age 70, that’s becoming rarer.) I have NO cocktail-making equipment, but the other day I used my blender to make a cucumber, rosemary, lime gimlet from a recipe and strained it through a fine mesh kitchen strainer, pressing the blended mush with the back of a large spoon. After we’d polished off the delicious gimlets, I served the cucumber mush to my equally cocktail-clueless husband as an appetizer before supper! Should I have thrown the delicious alcoholic vegetable mush away? Really?
Melissa McClelland says
It was delicious- Refreshing and wonderful! more complex than a mojito or a simple gin & tonic – but still easy to assemble. I made one with sugar and one without- Either are delicious– the cucumber is a wonderful touch! So excited to have found this recipe and excited to share with all of my friends- I know it will be a hit! I love most all of the Minimalist Baker recipes and this one too, did NOT disappoint
Aw, we’re so glad you enjoyed it, Melissa! Thanks so much for the lovely review!
Roshni says
Simple and refreshing!
Bartender says
Nice cocktail should also add little bit of lemon juice to contrast to bitterness
Liberache says
Phenomenal.
We made a 5 gallon jug of this at a backwoods barbecue, typical small town country types, and it was a hit among everyone. Perfect refreshing drink for warm sunny days.
Thanks so much for the lovely review. We are so glad you enjoyed it! Next time, would you mind leaving a rating with your review? It’s super helpful for us and other readers. Thanks so much! Xo
Robbie says
Hi-do you mind sharing your batch recipe for the 5 gallons? Thanks!!:)
Robbie says
Never mind-I just saw the conversion option! Awesome!!! Cannot wait to try!!
Monika Borgodzhiyska says
Perfect summer drink! Good job, Dana :)
xoxo!
T. T. says
Super easy and amazingly refreshing! I used slightly less mint (four leaves) and a little more lime. Perfect!
Moriko says
After a lousy day at work (decided it is time to move on) followed by a beloved loved one funeral. In 30 something degree(Celsius) weather I needed this and it was lovely.
Thank you.
Karole Dub says
Hey there great blog! Does running a blog similarto this require a great deal of work? I have virtually noexpertise in programming however I was hoping to start my own blog soon. Anyhow, should you have anyideas or techniques for new blog owners please share.I know this is off subject but I just had to ask.Thank you!
Polly says
Can I use vodka instead of gin?
Monika Borgodzhiyska says
Definitely!
MP says
We would like to serve this drink as both a cocktail and mocktail version. Any suggestions on how to do the mocktail version? Thanks!
Gwyneth Olmstead says
Hello! I was wondering if you had any ideas on how to make a batch of this for a crowd. I’m hosting a bridal shower and this drink sounds amazing! Any ideas welcome. xoxo
Hi Gwyneth! You can absolutely make this recipe for a large crowd, and I’d recommend adjusting the serving size using our newest feature which you can find directly above the recipe, to help you accurately make enough for your party. Enjoy!
Suzy says
Made this for a nice summer night on the patio around a fire. Very refreshing! Will try Hendricks next time. Used diet tonic – thought the drink was relish. Found out Husband not a tonic fan, so next time will sparkling water his.
Yay! Glad to hear you enjoyed it, Suzy!
Donna says
Perfect for a hot June evening!
Yay! Glad to hear it, Donna!
Martha says
Made the cucumber cooler cocktail, refreshing for the summer time.I loved it!
Mary Robbins says
This is the best gin recipe I have tried. It compliments the Hendrick’s gin perfectly!
Glad to hear you enjoyed it, Mary! :D
Anthony M Nordin Jr says
Cucumber is my favorite fruit to use for drinks. Definitely the most versatile.
Personally, I would have chosen Hendricks and muddled living shit out of the cucumber
Brad and Marilyn says
Made these, looking for cucumber cocktail recipes. We have cucumbers growing profusely, as well as mint. We prefer club soda instead of sweet tonic. They were delicious with the club soda. Thanks, Marilyn and brad in College Hill, Wichita. Btw, where did you have them in town?
Susan says
Made this tonight and am thoroughly enjoying it out on my patio. It is light and refreshing. I bought Tangpur gin by Tangueray and it is delicious. Thanks for a delicious new summer cocktail!
Tammy says
Absolutely perfect summer cocktail!
Scott Fenton says
Great recipe and well done! One word to the wise: many people do not realize how much sugar is already in tonic water (32 grams in a can). I’d really suggest using diet tonic water if you want it sweet and are adding sugar. Your teaspoon added makes the drink have a higher sugar content than a Coke.
sallydavis says
I was looking for something new to try as I have been bored by drinking some particulars only.
I got impressed by the description of the taste you have given and thinking of tasting it pretty soon.
Cheers!!
Jason says
Refreshing recipe…
I was planning a surprise party for my friends as we haven’t met since Christmas. I think this drink will be perfect for the party as it is easy to make too.
You have explained the recipe and ingredients really well and images hared are also amazing.
Thanks for sharing..
Cheers!!
john allen says
Hi Dana
I am trying to find a “mean” cocktail based upon cucumbers, but without any alcohol – any thoughts on this please ?
Best wishes
John
Alexandra says
I created this recipe myself, and I’ve served it at so many summer parties. It’s been a hit every time, and people have asked for the recipe so often that I had to type it out and print it for everyone! Enjoy my cocktail!
A Day at the Spa
Ingredients:
• 6 oz. strained cucumber puree (about ½ a cucumber)
• ½ oz. mint simple syrup
• ¾ oz. lime juice (about ½ a lime)
• ½ oz. simple syrup
• 1 ½ oz. sparkling water
• 1 oz. white or silver rum (optional)
• Dehydrated cucumber wheel (optional; garnish)
• Cucumber peel rose (optional; garnish)
• 1 mint sprig (optional; garnish)
• 1 bamboo sword (optional; garnish)
Preparation:
To make your cucumber puree, slice ½ a cucumber into sixths, then put in a blender. Add your lime juice, simple syrups, and rum, and blend until smooth. Strain your cucumber mix through a fine sieve or conical strainer into a mixing tin, then shake with ice. Strain into a white wine glass, and top with sparkling water. To garnish, skewer the dehydrated cucumber wheel and cucumber peel rose on a bamboo sword, then insert mint sprig in the rose. Enjoy responsibly!
*Note: For non-alcoholic version, omit the rum. There is no need to replace it with another ingredient.
Vegan Donkey says
This is just what I needed during a hot week! I made them before my cooking class. I was still having a problem with the comment box, I am not sure why it doesn’t appear for me to write.
V says
It’s even better if you soak the cucumbers in the liquor for a week. Yum!
Smart thinking! Thanks for the tip!
Pauline says
Tried this out and it was simply refreshing. I even tried it without the cucumber, like in a regular mojito but the cucumber gives it a very different summery freshness to it. Loved it!
Kimberly says
Amazing! My new summer crowd pleasing go to!
paula rothman says
had a similar drink in DEnver.. they used thai basil! JUST WOW> and a bit of jalapeno. it was sublime. wonder if i can infuse gin and make my own cuke gin.
Candace says
Added chili salt to the rim of the serving glass.
Kayla says
You need to try Hendricks gin! It’s supposed to be served with cucumber instead of lime…simply the best! :)
Rebecca says
Wondering….If you don’t like tonic but like gin and love mojitos, will this be as great as everyone says? or will the tonic thing ruin it for me? Having a little get together would make in a punch pitcher. This sounds excellent except for my tonic aversion.
Dena says
Just made this… Have an abundance of cucumbers and mint in the garden. I used agave syrup for the sugar. Very good cocktail. I used a good amount of tonic and like juice as the muddled mixture isn’t very much liquid.
jesse underwoo says
use club soda and an oz of simple syrup
Carol Menter says
I’m going to try soda instead of tonic. Do not especially care for tonic. Had this out at a restaurant last night and it was made with soda and it was to die for it is my go-to drink for the rest of the season I guarantee you
Jayna says
Use Sprite instead of Tonic
Brittany Bly says
So yummy and perfect for the summertime!
Obat Pembesar Penis says
amazing drink recipes and make healthy body, my boss thanks to a fresh drink recipes
Leslie says
Made these today and they were addicting! Thank you for the recipe, this is my new favorite way to have gin. It was perfect for this warm summer like day in Colorado :)