A refreshing Cucumber Gin Cooler brings a light and crisp taste to any warm afternoon gathering.
This simple cocktail combines fresh cucumber, gin, lime juice, and club soda to create a balanced drink that takes just 5 minutes to make.
The clean taste of cucumber pairs perfectly with the botanical notes found in gin. Adding a splash of lime juice gives it a bright citrus kick that makes this drink ideal for spring and summer parties.
This drink started gaining popularity in upscale bars around 2015 and has since become a favorite for home bartenders looking to make something more exciting than a basic gin and tonic. The recipe can be made with or without alcohol to suit all guests.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Muddler
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Highball glass
- Knife and cutting board
- Ice cube tray
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin
- 4-5 cucumber slices 1/4 inch thick
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Club soda
- Ice cubes
- Cucumber ribbon and lime wheel for garnish
Instructions
- Muddle cucumber slices in a cocktail shaker until they release their juice.
- Add gin, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake for 15 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with club soda and stir gently.
- Garnish with a cucumber ribbon and lime wheel.
Notes
Must Have Ingredients
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Tasting Notes
The Cucumber Gin Cooler offers a bright and fresh taste with a clean finish.
Crisp cucumber notes blend smoothly with the botanical elements of the gin.
Sweet and tart flavors balance nicely, with lime juice adding a zesty punch. The simple syrup brings just enough sweetness without making the drink too sugary.
The soda water creates light, playful bubbles that dance on the tongue. This gives the cocktail a refreshing effervescence perfect for warm days.
Key Flavor Notes:
- Fresh cucumber
- Juniper and botanical gin notes
- Bright citrus
- Light sweetness
- Crisp bubbles
The drink starts cool and refreshing, then reveals layers of gin botanicals. It ends with a clean, cucumber-forward finish that makes you want another sip.
The texture is light and bubbly, making it easy to drink. Ice keeps it perfectly chilled while diluting just enough to soften the gin’s strength.
When garnished with fresh cucumber and lime, the aroma adds an extra dimension to each sip. The scent of cucumber mingles with gin’s herbal notes to create an inviting first impression.
Substitute
No cucumber? No problem. Fresh celery offers a similar crisp, green flavor. Sliced green bell pepper can work too. Both add the same refreshing quality to the drink.
The gin brings most of the flavor, but vodka makes a nice swap. The clean taste lets the other ingredients shine through. Tequila creates a different but tasty version.
For a non-alcoholic version, use tonic water or club soda alone. Mix in a splash of lime juice to keep the bright, zesty notes.
Other mixer substitutes:
- Sprite or 7-Up instead of tonic water
- Sparkling water with a lime wedge
- Ginger ale for added sweetness
Skip the simple syrup and use agave nectar or honey. They blend well and add natural sweetness. Start with half the amount since they’re sweeter than simple syrup.
Fresh mint leaves can replace or complement the cucumber garnish. They add a cool element and smell great. A thin slice of lime or lemon works as a garnish too.
