This cucumber cooler cocktail is the perfect drink for a summer gathering – it’s easy to make and deliciously refreshing! Gather your ingredients and follow this guide to make an impressive contemporary cocktail that will be sure to please.
The Cucumber Cooler, A Refreshing Summertime Cocktail
As the summer days become longer and hotter, it’s time to cool down with a delicious and refreshing cucumber cooler cocktail. This contemporary drink has been around since the 19th century when traditional punches were popular in Europe. The original recipe called for rum, gin or brandy as the spirit base and sugar syrup or lemonade as the sweetener.
Today’s version of this classic beverage is much simpler. It starts off with a vodka base that’s infused with fresh cucumbers for maximum flavor then shaken up with lime juice and simple syrup to create a light, tart drink that pairs perfectly with your favorite snacks on hot days.
The beauty of this cocktail lies not only in its taste but also its ease of preparation. All you need are three ingredients: vodka, cucumbers and lime juice — plus some ice if desired — which makes it an ideal choice for casual gatherings or afternoon barbecues where guests can enjoy something unique without much effort.
Cucumber Cooler Cocktail
Ingredients
- Ingredients:
- -2 ounces vodka
- -1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- -3/4 ounce simple syrup
- -5 cucumber slices plus 1 for garnish
- -Soda water or club soda as needed.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- In a shaker filled with ice, combine the vodka, lime juice and simple syrup. Shake to combine and chill.
- Add 5 cucumber slices to the mixture in the shaker and muddle until mashed together.
- Strain into an ice filled highball glass and top with soda water or club soda as desired.
- Garnish with a single cucumber slice on top of the drink before serving immediately!
Glassware
The typical glassware used for the Cucumber Cooler Cocktail is a Collins glass or highball glass. The shape of these glasses allows plenty of room to add ice, cucumber slices and other garnishes as desired. For presentation purposes and aesthetic flare, it’s recommended to use a tall stemmed glass with a wide opening at the top. This way, you can show off all the beautiful ingredients in your cocktail without them spilling out!Flavors
If you’re looking for a tasty and unique cocktail to serve at your summer gathering, look no further than the cucumber cooler. This contemporary drink is perfect for sipping on hot days, with its bright and refreshing taste. It starts out with vodka as the base spirit, which is mixed together with an array of herbs, spices and citrus flavors. Fresh cucumbers add a crispness that pairs perfectly with zesty lime juice and sweet simple syrup. A dash of cayenne pepper adds just enough spice to make this drink extra special.
For those who like their cocktails extra strong, adding in some gin is sure to do the trick! The combination of juniper-forward gin along with herbal notes from fresh thyme creates a complex flavor palate that’s sure to please any crowd. With just a few ingredients you can mix up this delicious summer cooler quickly and easily – perfect for your next outdoor get-together or low-key night in!
3 tips for Making Your Cucumber Cooler
- Be sure to use freshly squeezed lime juice for a more intense flavor and natural sweetness.
- For added sweetness, you can adjust the simple syrup to suit your preference.
- Use small cucumber slices when muddling in order to maximize their flavor in the drin.
