During warmer months, I’m always on the lookout for drinks that are both refreshing and easy to throw together. This Lavender Cucumber Refresher Mocktail is a favorite because it brings together the coolness of cucumber with the soothing scent of lavender.
The recipe’s pretty simple, honestly—even if you’re not a drink person, you’ll have no trouble with this one.
I like making this mocktail when friends come over, or even just for myself when I want to unwind at home. Its bright flavor is a nice break from the usual soft drinks or just plain old water.
If you’re after a non-alcoholic drink that actually feels a little special, this might be right up your alley.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker or a big mason jar with a lid
- Highball or collins glass
- Spoon: For stirring.
Ingredients
- 4-5 slices fresh cucumber
- 1/2 oz lavender simple syrup*
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz honey or agave syrup optional, for extra sweetness
- 3 oz cold sparkling water
- Ice cubes
- Thin cucumber slices and sprigs of lavender for garnish
Instructions
- Add cucumber slices to your shaker or jar.
- Muddle well to get their juices and flavor out.
- Pour in the lavender syrup, lemon juice, and sweetener if you’re using it.
- Shake gently for about 15 seconds.
- Strain into a tall glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with sparkling water and give it a gentle stir.
- Garnish with extra cucumber slices and a sprig of lavender.
Notes
Tasting Notes
First sip, and the cucumber hits right away. It’s crisp and cooling, which is exactly what I want.
The lavender comes through as a gentle floral note—not overpowering, just a soft reminder of spring gardens.
Main Flavors I Notice:
- Fresh cucumber
- Soft lavender
- A squeeze of lemon for brightness
The balance is what stands out to me. The floral notes don’t drown out the cucumber; they just kind of play together nicely.
The texture’s super smooth—no seeds or pulp, just a clean, refreshing finish.
Key Points:
- The drink is light and not heavy.
- It’s not very sweet; honestly, it’s closer to spa water than a bold juice.
- I usually get a hint of lemon at the end, which makes it even more refreshing.
Every time I make this, it just works on a warm day. The flavors are simple, clean, and easy to like.
Substitute
Sometimes I just don’t have all the original ingredients or the right equipment sitting around. Here are some swaps that tend to work out pretty well in a Lavender Cucumber Refresher Mocktail.
Possible Ingredient Substitutions:
- Lavender syrup: I’ll grab honey syrup with a drop of edible lavender oil, or just steep some dried lavender in simple syrup. Both get close enough.
- Cucumber: No fresh cucumber? Mint leaves give a cool vibe too, honestly.
- Lemon juice: Lime juice totally works if you want a bit of a twist.
- Sparkling water: Club soda or even tonic water can fill in here. No big deal.
Substitute Equipment List:
- No cocktail shaker? I just use a jar with a tight lid. It does the trick.
- If there’s no muddler in sight, the back of a spoon or even a wooden spatula is fine. Not fancy, but it works.
Instructions Using Substitutes:
- Add whatever syrup you’re using, citrus juice, and cucumber or mint to your container.
- Give it a good mash with whatever tool you’ve got until things start to blend together.
- Pour in your sparkling water or other fizzy drink, stir, and serve it all over ice.