This Cucumber Cooler Recipe is a refreshing and hydrating recipe, which is made with fresh cucumbers and mint. It’s the perfect non-alcoholic drink for summer, ready in about 15 minutes.
Cucumber Cooler Recipe Ingredients
- 3 cucumbers, peeled, seeded, and coarsely chopped (6 cups), plus slices for serving
- ¼ cup water
- ½ cup fresh mint leaves
- 1 lime, thinly sliced
- 24 ounces club soda
- 2 tablespoons agave nectar or honey
How To Make Cucumber Cooler
- Juice the Cucumbers: In a blender, combine the chopped cucumbers and water. Purée on high until the mixture is completely smooth.
- Strain the Juice: Pour the cucumber purée through a fine-mesh sieve set over a large bowl. Use the back of a spoon to press on the solids to extract as much juice as possible. You should have about 2 cups of juice.
- Muddle the Mint: In a large pitcher, add the fresh mint leaves. Use the back of a wooden spoon to gently mash or “muddle” the leaves until they are bruised and fragrant. This releases their essential oils.
- Combine and Serve: Add the strained cucumber juice, lime slices, club soda, and agave nectar to the pitcher. Stir gently to combine. Fill four glasses with ice, pour the cooler over the ice, and garnish with extra cucumber slices.
Recipe Tips
- How to get the most juice from the cucumbers? After blending, don’t just let the purée drip through the sieve. Actively press down on the pulp with a spoon or spatula to push all the liquid through, maximizing your yield.
- Can I make the cucumber juice ahead of time? Yes, this is a great time-saver. You can prepare the cucumber juice, strain it, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Why muddle the mint? Muddling gently bruises the mint leaves, which releases their flavorful oils into the drink. Be careful not to shred them into tiny pieces; you just want to release the aroma.
- Can I make this a cocktail? Absolutely. This cooler makes a fantastic base for a cocktail. A splash of gin or a light white rum would pair beautifully with the cucumber and mint flavors.
How to Serve Cucumber Cooler
This elegant drink is perfect for any warm-weather occasion.
- Glassware: Serve in tall Collins or highball glasses to showcase the color and garnishes.
- Garnishes: Beyond cucumber slices, a fresh sprig of mint or an extra lime wheel on the rim of the glass adds a nice touch.
- Occasions: This is a perfect non-alcoholic option for baby showers, brunches, or simply relaxing on the patio on a hot afternoon.
How To Store Cucumber Cooler
- Refrigerate: This drink is best enjoyed fresh, as the club soda will lose its carbonation over time. If you have leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a day, but be aware it won’t be as fizzy. For best results, you can mix the cucumber juice, mint, and agave ahead of time and top with fresh club soda just before serving.
- Freeze: Freezing is not recommended.
Cucumber Cooler Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 60-80 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Sugar: 12g
- Fat: 0g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
For the smoothest, most refreshing drink, straining is highly recommended. If you skip this step, the cooler will have a thick, pulpy texture, which some may not find as pleasant.
You can easily substitute with simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, heated until dissolved and then cooled). Adjust the amount to your desired level of sweetness.
Yes. You can easily double or triple the recipe. Prepare the cucumber juice and muddle the mint in a large drink dispenser. Just before guests arrive, add the club soda and stir gently to combine.
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Cucumber Cooler Recipe
Description
A crisp and invigorating non-alcoholic cooler made from fresh cucumber juice, muddled mint, and fizzy club soda.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend peeled and seeded cucumbers with water until smooth.
- Strain the purée through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing on the solids to extract all the juice.
- In a large pitcher, gently muddle the mint leaves with the back of a spoon.
- Add the cucumber juice, lime slices, club soda, and agave to the pitcher.
- Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
- Serve immediately over ice, garnished with fresh cucumber slices.
Notes
- For the best flavor, use fresh, firm English or seedless cucumbers.
- The cucumber juice can be made up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- For a more complex flavor, try swapping half of the mint for fresh basil leaves.
- To turn this into a cocktail, add 1.5 oz of gin or vodka per glass.