Cucumber Cooler Cocktail {Basil or Mint}
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This Gin & Tonic Cucumber Cooler is the perfect summer cocktail or mocktail; it’s the adult version of “spa water.” Filled with light, crunchy cucumbers and your choice of refreshing mint or earthy basil along with the bright tartness of fresh lime, topped with clean and crisp tonic water. A delightful adult thirst quencher.
SHAKEN, NOT STIRRED
Start by grabbing a Ball jar with lid or a cocktail shaker (Ball jars are insanely EASY, plus you make the entire drink in one glass!) let’s hear it for fewer dishes!
Add mint or basil, lime, sugar and gin to the jar and gently muddle (press) to release oils from either mint or basil.
What does Muddle or Muddling Mean?
I am so glad you asked, to muddle is not something from Harry Potter! A muddler is a kitchen tool (typically in stainless or most commonly wood) to gently press/smash the essence or oils from fruit, veggies, herbs and spices.
When “muddling” you don’t want to smash the ingredient with vigor, as that can release bitter oils, instead, gently, press and twist slightly for the best release of flavors.
MAKE THIS INTO A MOCKTAIL – A Refreshing NON-ALCOHOLIC DRINK
Easily turn this into a non-alcoholic drink by simply omitting the gin and adding more tonic water! Equally enjoyable and much more spa water like!
Add cucumber slices to the jar and 4-6 cubes of ice, cover tightly with lid and shake vigorously for 20-30 seconds.
This is so much like the refreshing water they serve you when you visit a spa, and if you’ve never tried cucumber water before, you need to try it, it’s amazingly crisp, satisfying, revitalizing and refreshing! Which is probably why they serve it, so this is perfect for a hot afternoon!
Top with ice and your favorite tonic water. My favorite tonics are Q Drinks Tonic or their Indian Tonic (more bitter, but a little sweeter than regular tonic to pair better with a London Dry Gin).
I paired the regular Tonic Water with the mint and the Indian Tonic with the basil. Delicious both ways!
If using a cocktail shaker, then pour mixture into a highball glass, topping with ice and tonic water.
Stir Cucumber Cooler Cocktail gently, garnish with a sprig of either basil or mint, a slice of cucumber and a wedge of lime.
DISCLOSURE | Q Drinks are delicious, all-natural, and less sweet than your average mixer. So clean, crisp and extra carbonated, they are the perfect mixer. This is not a paid sponsorship, Q Drinks sent me a sample selection of their amazing mixers which I am more than happy to share. The opinions expressed are completely my own; I highly recommend these mixers for any cocktail or mocktail! Give all their flavors a try!
This Cucumber Cooler Cocktail pairs perfectly with a light summer meal, like my Coconut Lime Chicken, Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad and then you’ll have room for this decadent but so easy Mile High Mud Pie.
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Equipment
Ingredients
Cucumber Cocktail
- 1-1 1/2 oz of gin omit for mocktail
- 1/2 lime squeezed
- 4-6 cucumber slices
- 1-2 teaspoons all natural sugar optional
- 6 mint leaves OR 4 basil leaves
- 4-6 oz tonic water [Indian Tonic water]
Instructions
- Start by grabbing a Ball jar with lid or a cocktail shaker (Ball jars are insanely easier, plus you make the entire drink in one glass!) let’s hear it for fewer dishes!
- Add mint or basil, lime, sugar and gin to the jar and gently muddle (press) to release oils from either mint or basil.
- Add your cucumber slices to the jar and 4-6 cubes of ice, cover tightly with lid and shake vigorously for 20-30 seconds.
- Pour the mixture into a glass*, simply top with ice and your favorite tonic water. My favorite tonics are Q Drinks Tonic or their Indian Tonic (more bitter, but a little sweeter than regular tonic to pair better with a London Dry Gin). I paired the sweeter mint with regular Tonic Water and the Indian Tonic with the more earthy basil. Delicious both ways!
- Stir gently, garnish with a sprig of either basil or mint, a slice of cucumber and if desired a wedge of lime.
Fresh Tips
Nutrition
Recommended Products
SUMMER DRINKS
Refreshing Summer Cocktails 4 Ways
20 Summer Mocktails
About Kathleen Pope
Recipe Innovator | Food Photographer | Food Writer
Hi, I’m Kathleen Pope. Here at The Fresh Cooky you will find easy, mostly from-scratch, trusted recipes for all occasions. From speedy dinners to tasty desserts, with easy step-by-step instructions. I am here to help teach you how to make mouthwatering recipes without spending hours in the kitchen. Read more about Kathleen here.
This beverage is enough to cool down the body in summer season!
Your Cucumber Cooler will be fantastic!
Thanks Miz Helen!!