Refreshing and light, the Cucumber Lime Cooler brings a spa-like twist to happy hour. This simple cocktail mixes crisp cucumber, tangy lime, and smooth vodka into a drink that takes just 5 minutes to make.
The blend of fresh ingredients creates a clean taste perfect for warm spring and summer days. Many people love this drink for backyard parties and poolside sipping from April through September.
The green color and garden-fresh flavors make this cooler stand out from basic mixed drinks. The recipe works well with or without alcohol, so everyone at the party can enjoy a glass.
Cucumber Lime Cooler Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Muddler
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Collins glass
- Cutting Board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring jigger (1 oz and 2 oz)
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 4-5 thin cucumber slices
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 0.75 oz simple syrup
- Club soda
- Ice cubes
- Garnish: Cucumber ribbon and lime wheel
Instructions
- Add cucumber slices to the shaker and muddle gently to release their juice.
- Pour in vodka, lime juice, and simple syrup.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake for 10-15 seconds.
- Fill a Collins glass with fresh ice.
- Double strain the mixture into the glass through a fine-mesh strainer.
- Top with club soda (about 2-3 oz).
- Garnish with a cucumber ribbon and lime wheel.
Notes
Must Have Ingredients
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Tasting Notes
The Cucumber Lime Cooler starts with a bright, fresh aroma of crisp cucumber and zesty lime. Each sip brings a clean, cool sensation that feels light and refreshing.
The drink has a smooth texture with a gentle sweetness that balances the tart lime juice. Tiny bits of muddled cucumber add subtle bursts of garden-fresh flavor throughout.
Key Flavor Notes:
- Fresh cucumber
- Tangy lime
- Light sweetness
- Cool mint finish
When properly mixed, the cocktail tastes like a spa-inspired drink with just enough alcohol to warm the palate. The gin’s botanical notes blend naturally with the cucumber while staying subtle.
The finish is clean and crisp with a gentle minty coolness that lingers. Perfect ice-cold on hot days, this drink tastes best between 35-40°F.
Food Pairings:
- Grilled seafood
- Fresh salads
- Light appetizers
- Spicy dishes
The drink maintains its refreshing taste even as the ice melts, though it’s best enjoyed within 15-20 minutes of preparation.
Substitute
You can make this refreshing drink without alcohol for a tasty mocktail. Just leave out the gin and double the club soda. The drink will still taste crisp and bright.
For a different twist, swap gin with vodka or white rum. These spirits blend well with the cucumber and lime flavors while adding their own subtle notes.
No fresh cucumbers? Use 2 ounces of cucumber juice or 1 ounce of cucumber-flavored vodka instead. The drink won’t have the same fresh-muddled taste but will work in a pinch.
Replace club soda with tonic water for extra bitterness and complexity. This changes the sweetness level but creates an interesting variation.
Alternative Sweeteners:
- Stevia drops
- Simple syrup
- Agave nectar
- Honey syrup
Fresh mint can replace the cucumber for a different summer drink. Muddle 6-8 mint leaves instead of cucumber slices for a minty lime cooler.
Out of fresh limes? Use 1 ounce of bottled lime juice. The taste differs slightly from fresh-squeezed but still makes a good drink.
