Lemon Cucumber Cooler Mocktail Recipe

Looking for a refreshing drink without alcohol? The Lemon Cucumber Cooler Mocktail combines bright citrus and cool cucumber flavors for a perfect summer beverage. This easy-to-make mocktail requires just lemon juice, cucumber slices, mint leaves, simple syrup, and sparkling water.

This drink works well for backyard gatherings, baby showers, or any time you want something special without alcohol. The cucumber adds a subtle coolness while the lemon provides a tangy kick that wakes up your taste buds.

The Lemon Cucumber Cooler can be prepared in advance by mixing the base ingredients and adding sparkling water just before serving. This makes it perfect for busy hosts who want to spend time with guests rather than mixing drinks all evening.

Lemon Cucumber Cooler Mocktail Recipe

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This refreshing mocktail combines the crisp taste of cucumber with tangy lemon for a perfect alcohol-free beverage option.

John

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Serving Size 2

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker or mason jar with lid
• Muddler or wooden spoon
• Fine-mesh strainer
• Cutting board and knife
• Citrus juicer or reamer
• Highball glasses
• Measuring tools (jigger or measuring cups/spoons)
• Ice cube tray
• Vegetable peeler (for cucumber ribbons)

Ingredients

• 1 medium cucumber sliced (plus extra for garnish)
• 2 fresh lemons for 2 oz juice, plus slices for garnish
• 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
• 8 fresh mint leaves plus sprigs for garnish
• 4 oz club soda or sparkling water
• Ice cubes

Optional: 1 teaspoon grated ginger for extra zing

Optional: Cucumber ribbons for garnish

Instructions

• Prep the cucumber: Wash and slice one cucumber into ¼-inch rounds. Set aside a few slices for garnish.
• Muddle the ingredients: Place cucumber slices and mint leaves in the cocktail shaker. Gently muddle to release flavors without completely crushing the cucumber.
• Add sweetener and juice: Squeeze the lemons to get about 2 ounces of juice. Add to the shaker along with honey or agave syrup. If using ginger, add it now.
• Shake with ice: Add ice to the shaker, close tightly, and shake for 15-20 seconds until well chilled.
• Strain and serve: Fill two highball glasses with ice. Strain the mixture into the glasses, filling them halfway.
• Top with bubbles: Add club soda or sparkling water to each glass. Stir gently to combine.
• Garnish: Add cucumber slices, lemon wheels, and mint sprigs to each glass. For an elegant touch, add a cucumber ribbon.

Notes

This mocktail is best served immediately while bubbles are fresh. You can prepare the cucumber-lemon base up to 4 hours ahead and keep refrigerated, then add ice and club soda just before serving.

For a sweeter version, increase honey to 2 tablespoons. For a more tart drink, add an extra half lemon. Children usually prefer the sweeter version.

The recipe serves two people but can be easily doubled for small gatherings. Consider making a large batch in a pitcher for parties, but add the sparkling water just before serving to maintain carbonation.

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Tasting Notes

The Lemon Cucumber Cooler Mocktail offers a bright and refreshing flavor profile with a perfect balance of tangy and sweet notes.

The first sip delivers a zesty lemon punch that quickly mellows into the cool, subtle flavor of cucumber. These two main ingredients create a harmonious contrast that keeps the palate engaged.

Mint adds a gentle aromatic quality without overpowering the drink. Its cooling effect complements the cucumber beautifully.

Flavor Intensity: ★★★☆☆ (Medium)
Sweetness Level: ★★☆☆☆ (Low to Medium)
Tartness: ★★★☆☆ (Medium)
Refreshment Factor: ★★★★★ (Very High)

The fizzy texture from sparkling water adds a lively mouthfeel that enhances the drink’s refreshing nature. Each bubble carries the light flavors across your palate.

Served ice-cold, this mocktail feels particularly crisp and clean. The temperature brings out the cucumber’s subtle sweetness while highlighting the lemon’s bright acidity.

The aftertaste is clean and brief, with a light cucumber note that fades gently. This makes it an excellent choice for repeated sipping on hot days.

Serving tip: The visual appeal of floating cucumber slices and lemon wheels adds to the sensory experience, making the first sip even more inviting.

Substitutes

You can switch up the Lemon Cucumber Cooler Mocktail with several easy swaps if you don’t have all the ingredients on hand.

No cucumber? Try using celery or green apple instead. These veggies give a similar fresh taste and light crunch.

For the lemon, lime makes a perfect substitute. Orange or grapefruit can work too, but they’ll make your drink sweeter.

Sweetener Options:

• Honey instead of simple syrup
• Use less maple syrup
• Agave nectar
• Stevia for a zero-calorie option

Club soda can be replaced with sparkling water, tonic water, or ginger ale. Ginger ale will add more sweetness and a hint of spice.

Fresh mint can be swapped for basil or rosemary. These herbs bring different but equally refreshing flavors to your mocktail.

Try different combinations to find your favorite version of this refreshing drink!