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Cucumber Cooler Cocktails

Cutting board with two glasses of our Cucumber Cooler Cocktails recipe

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.

Gin and cucumber for making our Cucumber Cooler Cocktails recipe

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.

Fresh mint leaves and cucumber for making a refreshing summer cocktail recipe

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.

Series of photos showing how to make Cucumber Cooler Cocktails

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.

Pouring tonic water into glasses to make our Cucumber Cooler Cocktails recipe

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.

Pouring two glasses of our Cucumber Cooler Cocktails recipe

Adding cucumber slices to our cocktails for a refreshing summer drink

Filling up a glass for homemade Cucumber Cooler Cocktails

Glasses of our Cucumber Cooler Cocktails made with mint, cucumbers, and fresh lime

What does it taste like? A sophisticated limeade. An upgraded mojito. Cucumber water on steroids. Just try it, you will love.

Two glasses of our Cucumber Cooler Cocktail recipe that tastes like sophisticated limeade

Cucumber Cooler Cocktails sitting on a cutting board ready for a festive summer evening

Print
Glasses of our Cucumber Cooler Cocktail recipe topped with cucumbers slices, mint leaves, and limes
4.75 from 12 votes

Cucumber Cooler Cocktails

A light, refreshing cocktail with fresh lime and mint and a surprising, pleasant crunch from cucumber slices.
Author: Minimalist Baker
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1
Category: Beverage
Cuisine: Vegan
Freezer Friendly No
Does it keep? Best when fresh.

Ingredients

US Customary - Metric
  • 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

  1. Add mint, lime, gin, and sugar (if using) to shaker and muddle.
  2. Add cucumber slices to shaker and shake vigorously.
  3. Pour mixture over glass filled with ice and top with tonic water.
  4. Stir, let set for a few minutes for the flavors to enhance and enjoy.

Notes

*For those who prefer a sweeter drink, add sugar to taste. However, it's also quite enjoyable without.
*Questions about substitutions, equipment, or troubleshooting? Check out our Recipe FAQ page.
*Nutrition information is a rough estimate.

Nutrition Per Serving (1 of 1)

  • Calories: 162
  • Sodium: 16mg
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Sugar: 11.2g
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39 Comments 15 minutes or less, 7 ingredients or less, Beverage, Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, No Bake, Nut-Free, Oil-Free, One Bowl, Refined Sugar-Free, Savory, Soy-Free, Spring, Summer, Vegan

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danaHi, I'm Dana! I am a food stylist, photographer, creator of Food Photography School and author of Everyday Cooking.

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All commentsI made thisQuestions
  1. Avatar for T. T.T. T. says

    June 11, 2019 at 3:51 pm

    Super easy and amazingly refreshing! I used slightly less mint (four leaves) and a little more lime. Perfect!

    Reply
  2. Avatar for MorikoMoriko says

    May 31, 2019 at 12:01 pm

    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.

    Reply
  3. Avatar for Karole DubKarole Dub says

    January 8, 2019 at 10:20 pm

    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!

    Reply
  4. Avatar for PollyPolly says

    September 21, 2018 at 11:52 am

    Can I use vodka instead of gin?

    Reply
  5. Avatar for MPMP says

    September 11, 2018 at 8:26 am

    We would like to serve this drink as both a cocktail and mocktail version. Any suggestions on how to do the mocktail version? Thanks!

    Reply
  6. Avatar for Gwyneth OlmsteadGwyneth Olmstead says

    August 6, 2018 at 3:01 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Avatar for Support @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

      August 6, 2018 at 5:28 pm

      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!

      Reply
  7. Avatar for SuzySuzy says

    July 28, 2018 at 9:22 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Avatar for Support @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

      July 29, 2018 at 7:00 am

      Yay! Glad to hear you enjoyed it, Suzy!

      Reply
  8. Avatar for DonnaDonna says

    June 14, 2018 at 4:56 pm

    Perfect for a hot June evening!

    Reply
    • Avatar for Support @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

      June 16, 2018 at 11:15 am

      Yay! Glad to hear it, Donna!

      Reply
  9. Avatar for MarthaMartha says

    June 12, 2018 at 2:44 pm

    Made the cucumber cooler cocktail, refreshing for the summer time.I loved it!

    Reply
  10. Avatar for Mary RobbinsMary Robbins says

    March 29, 2018 at 7:36 am

    This is the best gin recipe I have tried. It compliments the Hendrick’s gin perfectly!

    Reply
    • Avatar for Support @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

      March 29, 2018 at 2:14 pm

      Glad to hear you enjoyed it, Mary! :D

      Reply
  11. Avatar for Anthony M Nordin JrAnthony M Nordin Jr says

    October 23, 2017 at 11:03 pm

    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

    Reply
  12. Avatar for Brad and MarilynBrad and Marilyn says

    July 8, 2017 at 4:55 pm

    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?

    Reply
  13. Avatar for SusanSusan says

    June 10, 2017 at 5:01 pm

    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!

    Reply
  14. Avatar for TammyTammy says

    May 19, 2017 at 6:40 pm

    Absolutely perfect summer cocktail!

    Reply
  15. Avatar for Scott FentonScott Fenton says

    October 22, 2016 at 9:20 pm

    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.

    Reply
  16. Avatar for sallydavissallydavis says

    July 20, 2016 at 4:21 am

    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!!

    Reply
  17. Avatar for JasonJason says

    March 7, 2016 at 2:07 am

    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!!

    Reply
  18. Avatar for john allenjohn allen says

    January 18, 2016 at 4:13 am

    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

    Reply
    • Avatar for AlexandraAlexandra says

      March 18, 2018 at 1:25 pm

      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.

      Reply
  19. Avatar for Vegan DonkeyVegan Donkey says

    September 10, 2015 at 5:06 pm

    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.

    Reply
  20. Avatar for VV says

    August 10, 2015 at 10:29 am

    It’s even better if you soak the cucumbers in the liquor for a week. Yum!

    Reply
    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerDana @ Minimalist Baker says

      August 10, 2015 at 12:13 pm

      Smart thinking! Thanks for the tip!

      Reply
  21. Avatar for PaulinePauline says

    July 19, 2015 at 8:00 am

    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!

    Reply
  22. Avatar for KimberlyKimberly says

    June 15, 2015 at 6:59 pm

    Amazing! My new summer crowd pleasing go to!

    Reply
  23. Avatar for paula rothmanpaula rothman says

    April 9, 2015 at 5:05 am

    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.

    Reply
  24. Avatar for CandaceCandace says

    January 27, 2015 at 2:48 pm

    Added chili salt to the rim of the serving glass.

    Reply
  25. Avatar for KaylaKayla says

    October 15, 2014 at 4:05 pm

    You need to try Hendricks gin! It’s supposed to be served with cucumber instead of lime…simply the best! :)

    Reply
  26. Avatar for RebeccaRebecca says

    August 16, 2014 at 5:46 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Avatar for DenaDena says

      August 18, 2014 at 10:10 pm

      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.

      Reply
    • Avatar for jesse underwoojesse underwoo says

      January 9, 2015 at 7:09 pm

      use club soda and an oz of simple syrup

      Reply
      • Avatar for Carol MenterCarol Menter says

        June 29, 2018 at 5:49 am

        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

        Reply
    • Avatar for JaynaJayna says

      May 19, 2018 at 4:00 pm

      Use Sprite instead of Tonic

      Reply
  27. Avatar for Brittany BlyBrittany Bly says

    July 18, 2014 at 9:53 am

    So yummy and perfect for the summertime!

    Reply
  28. Avatar for Obat Pembesar PenisObat Pembesar Penis says

    February 27, 2014 at 3:49 am

    amazing drink recipes and make healthy body, my boss thanks to a fresh drink recipes

    Reply
  29. Avatar for LeslieLeslie says

    May 25, 2013 at 8:50 pm

    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 :)

    Reply

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