This Cucumber Mint Refresher is the perfect cocktail to sip and enjoy when you need to cool down, especially on a hot summer day! It will be the latest addition to my summer drink recipes, which you will want to check out, too. But, it is just as relaxing any time of the year! It’s a light and fizzy drink made with fresh mint leaves, crisp cucumber slices, vodka (or gin), and fresh lime juice with a little sweetness from simple syrup. If you love the fresh mint and lime combination, you will want to try my Raspberry Lime Mojito next!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Mint Leaves: Did you know that mint is a calming herb? That is one reason you may want to sip on one of these cocktails! (Plus, it is delicious.) Muddle the mint leaves with simple syrup to help release the mint’s natural oils.
- Simple Syrup: Simple syrup is a sweet liquid you can make at home using just sugar and water. It’s great for sweetening cocktails like this one, coffee, tea, and even baked goods!
- Cucumber: Slice an English cucumber into 10 thin slices. They will be added to the cocktail shaker to give the drink that cucumber flavor.
- Vodka: Both vodka and gin would work well in this cucumber mint cocktail, depending on the flavor you are going for. Vodka is more clean and crisp, while gin gives the drink a bit of an herbal twist.
- Lime Juice: For the best results, use freshly squeezed lime juice. (I used about half a lime for an ounce of juice.) But, bottled juice can work in a pinch.
- Club Soda: For a bubbly finish, I topped off the drink with club soda. Seltzer water, sparkling water (try it will lime-flavored sparkling water), or tonic water would work, too. Or, if you want a little more sweetness, try it with lemon-lime soda!
How To Muddle Mint For Cocktails {Cucumber Mint Refresher & More!}
To muddle mint, use a muddler or the back of a spoon. Gently press down on the leaves to release the flavor, but avoid tearing them. This helps keep the mint’s fresh taste without making it bitter.
Can I Make A Cucumber Mint Refresher Ahead Of Time?
Yes! To make this cocktail ahead of time, mix everything except the club soda and ice a few hours in advance. Just keep it chilled and add the club soda when serving!
Is This Cucumber Mint Cocktail Sweet?
This cucumber mint refresher is lightly sweet, but not too sweet (I would say). But, it is easy to adjust the sweetness to your taste. Add more simple syrup if you like a sweeter cocktail. Or, reduce it for a more crisp, tart flavor.
Can I Make This Without a Cocktail Shaker?
Yes, you can! If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, a travel mug or mason jar with a tight lid works great. Just muddle the mint leaves with simple syrup right in the cup, then add the cucumber slices, lime juice, and vodka (or gin). Toss in some ice, seal it up, and shake for about 15 seconds. Then strain it into your glass, top it with club soda, and enjoy! Or, skip the shaking altogether, just layer everything in a glass over ice and give it a good stir. Easy and still super refreshing!
Cucumber Mint Mocktail {Easy Non-Alcoholic Version}
A Cucumber Mint Mocktail is the perfect refreshing drink when you want something light, fizzy, and alcohol-free! It’s made with fresh cucumber slices, cool mint leaves, lime juice, and a splash of bubbly club soda. To make it a mocktail, just skip the vodka or gin. Instead, add a little extra club soda or try a splash of white grape juice or coconut water for more flavor. It’s an easy non-alcoholic drink that’s great for summer parties, baby showers, or just relaxing on the patio. Everyone, from kids to adults, will love this crisp and cool cucumber mint drink!
Cucumber Mint Refresher
Ingredients
- 10 fresh mint leaves
- 2 ounces simple syrup
- 10 thin slices of cucumber
- 4 ounces vodka, or gin
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice, about ½ lime
- crushed ice
- club soda, to top off the drink
Instructions
- To a cocktail shaker, add mint leaves and simple syrup. Muddle gently to release flavor.
- Add the cucumber slices, vodka or gin, lime juice, and a handful of ice. Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds.
- Set out 2 highball glasses. Add ice to each glass. Strain the cocktail evenly into each glass.
- Top each drink with club soda.
- Garnish with a mint sprig and lime wheel. Cheers!
Did you make this recipe?
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What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Autumn
This is such a light and refreshing drink, like a cucumber mojito. It is very easy to sip, and I love it!
Elizabeth
Cucumber drinks (like cucumber water) are growing on me, and I loved this drink!
Bella
This is so refreshing and not too sweet (which works for me)! It's really good.
Stephanie
I could see myself sipping on one (or a few) of these drinks on a super hot day. Yum!
I have a bunch of limes to use! Thank you for always having easy and sensible recipes and ingredients. This one is a winner like all the others I’ve tried