Cucumber Cooler Cocktail Recipe
Cucumber Cooler Nutrition Facts
Calories:150
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:10g
Alcohol:14%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Contents
History
The Cucumber Cooler is a refreshing and light cocktail that gained popularity in the early 2000s. It is often enjoyed during the summer months and is a favorite among health-conscious drinkers due to its use of fresh cucumber and low-calorie ingredients.
- Originated in the early 2000s
- Popular during summer months
- Loved by health-conscious drinkers
How Cucumber Cooler Tastes?
The Cucumber Cooler is a crisp, refreshing, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of tartness from the lime juice. It has a light, clean taste with a subtle cucumber flavor.
Interesting facts about Cucumber Cooler
- Cucumbers are known for their hydrating properties, making this cocktail perfect for hot summer days
- The Cucumber Cooler is often considered a 'spa cocktail' due to its use of fresh, healthy ingredients
- This cocktail is sometimes served in a hollowed-out cucumber for a unique presentation
Ingredients
- Cucumber: 1
- Vodka: 2 oz(60ml)
- Lime juice: 1 oz(30ml)
- Simple syrup: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Mint leaves: 6
- Soda water: Top
- Ice: As needed
- Cucumber slice: 1 (for garnish)
- Mint sprig: 1 (for garnish)
A few good options for Cucumber Cooler are:
- Grey Goose
- Belvedere
- Khor
- Smirnoff
Cucumber
A single cucumber is muddled to infuse the drink with its crisp, clean flavor. It's not about being seedy – it's about cucumber class. If omitted, you lose that spa-like essence.
Emma Rose
Vodka
2 oz of vodka provides a neutral base that doesn't overshadow the subtle tastes. More could have you feeling pickled, less and it's just a fancy water.
Mary Mitkina
Lime Juice
1 oz adds a citrusy zing, balancing the flavors. No lime? Expect a flat drink that even a good joke won't lift.
Alex Green
Simple Syrup
0.5 oz sweetens the deal. Too much can be overkill, like laughing at your own joke, too little, and it might as well be a 'dry' humor.
Emma Rose
Mint Leaves
6 leaves bring a breath of fresh air. Mintless? It's like a high-five with no clap.
Mary Mitkina
Soda Water
To top off is to spark it up. Like that one person at the party that brings the right energy. Leave it out, and the party's a dud.
Alex Green
Ice
As needed, it's the cool friend that chills everything down. No ice? It's like a warm handshake – not too welcoming.
Emma Rose
Garnishes
Cucumber slice and a mint sprig are the final touches – the wink and the smile to complete the charm.
Mary Mitkina
Recipe. How to make Cucumber Cooler Drink
- In a cocktail shaker, muddle the cucumber and mint leaves
- Add vodka, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake well
- Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice
- Top with soda water
- Garnish with a cucumber slice and mint sprig
Pro Tips
- Muddle the cucumber and mint leaves well to extract maximum flavor
- Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best taste
- Chill your glass before serving for a refreshing experience
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers to Pair
- Sushi: The fresh, clean flavors of a cucumber cooler work wonderfully with sushi, particularly with milder fish like tuna or yellowtail.
- Spring Rolls: Vegetarian spring rolls with a peanut dipping sauce can truly sing alongside the crispness of this cocktail.
- Grilled Chicken Skewers: The refreshing characteristics help cut through the smokiness from the grill.
Foods to Avoid
- Spicy Foods: The delicate flavors of the cucumber and mint can easily be overwhelmed by spicy dishes.
- Heavy Meals: Rich, hearty meals like stews or braised meats may mask the light, refreshing quality of the cocktail.
Note: Always drink responsibly and make sure that your food choices complement the lightness of the Cucumber Cooler rather than overpower it.
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What you could change in Cucumber Cooler
- Gin can be used instead of vodka for a different flavor profile
- Lemon juice can be substituted for lime juice
- Agave syrup can replace simple syrup for a healthier alternative
Explore all drinks starting with C here
And of course - twists🍹
Cucumber Cooler with Gin
- Swap vodka for gin. The gin's botanicals add depth to the garden freshness.
- Recipe: Same process, but add 2 oz of gin instead of vodka. Say hello to juniper and farewell to neutrality.
- Expect an earthier kick – like a cucumber with a diploma in herbal studies.
Spicy Cucumber Cooler
- Muddle a slice of jalapeño with cucumber and mint. Spice it up!
- Recipe: Throw in that jalapeño slice before shaking, and proceed as usual. For the brave of taste buds.
- Not for the faint of heart, this brings heat to the cool party.
Berry Cucumber Cooler
- Add a handful of muddled raspberries for a berry twist.
- Recipe: Muddle the raspberries alongside cucumber and mint. Follow the standard procedure, berry carefully.
- It's not just cooler, it's berry cooler - and the color's as playful as the taste.
In case you forgot basics how to make Cucumber Cooler
The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.
Learn everything about simple syrupAdd your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.
Learn everything on how to shakePlace your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainThe key to proper muddling is to crush the ingredients just enough to release their flavors and not overdo it. Over-muddling can result in a bitter taste, especially with herbs.
Learn everything on how to muddleGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
Learn everything on garnishingFind the cocktail you'd love!
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Frequently Asked Questions on Cucumber Cooler
Who invented the Cucumber Cooler cocktail?
The exact creator of the Cucumber Cooler cocktail is unknown, but it became popular in bars and restaurants in the early 2000s.
In which occasions is it more appropriate to serve this cocktail?
The Cucumber Cooler is a very versatile drink. It's most commonly enjoyed in the summer due to its refreshing taste, but it can be drunk year-round as well. Also, it could be served at health and wellness related events.
Can I substitute the cucumber with other vegetables?
The cucumber is an integral part of the Cucumber Cooler, both for its taste and its aesthetic appeal. However, muddled zucchini or celery could work for a different variation.
How can I adjust the sweetness of this cocktail?
The sweetness of this cocktail can be adjusted by changing the amount of simple syrup. To make it less sweet, use less simple syrup or eliminate it altogether.
What is the right technique to muddle the ingredients?
Muddling is a technique used in cocktails to unleash the full flavor of certain ingredients like fruits, herbs, and spices. To muddle correctly, take a muddler or a wooden spoon and press it down on the ingredient and give it a couple of gentle twists. You’re looking to crush the ingredient not pulverize it.
What other garnishments can I use?
In addition to cucumber slices and mint sprigs, other appropriate garnishments could include lime wheels, or even a celery stalk for a fun twist.
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