Cucumber Mint Cooler: Refreshing Summer Drink Recipe
A refreshing and invigorating Cucumber Mint Cooler perfect for hot summer days. This easy-to-make beverage features a homemade cucumber and mint syrup blended with lime juice and chilled water, creating a cool, lightly sweetened drink that is both hydrating and delicious.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour (including chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Cucumber Mint Syrup
- 4 cups chopped cucumber (about 2 large cucumbers)
- 2 cups fresh mint leaves, packed
- 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup water
Cooler Assembly
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (about 4–6 limes)
- 8 cups cold water or sparkling water, for serving
- Ice cubes, for serving
- Lime wedges, for garnish (optional)
- Mint sprigs, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients for Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped cucumber, fresh mint leaves, granulated sugar, and 1 cup of water. Make sure the cucumber is chopped into relatively small pieces to help release flavor quickly.
- Simmer the Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves. Avoid boiling vigorously; small bubbles should form around the pan edges.
- Infuse Flavors: Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes to allow flavors to concentrate and develop. You’ll notice the cucumber color fading and the mint becoming vibrant.
- Strain the Syrup: Remove from heat and let cool slightly for 10 minutes. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth-lined sieve into a bowl, pressing solids to extract maximum liquid. Discard the cucumber and mint solids.
- Cool the Syrup: Allow the cucumber-mint syrup to cool completely, refrigerating if desired to speed the process. Cold syrup will make the drink more refreshing.
- Mix the Cooler: In a large pitcher, combine the cooled syrup with fresh lime juice and 8 cups of cold still or sparkling water. Stir well to blend all flavors, starting with less water to adjust the taste to preference.
- Chill the Drink: Refrigerate the assembled cooler for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. For best results, make ahead and chill for several hours or overnight.
- Serve: Fill glasses with ice cubes, pour the chilled cucumber mint cooler over ice, and garnish with lime wedges and mint sprigs or cucumber ribbons if desired. Serve immediately for a refreshing treat.
Notes
- Adjust sugar quantity to taste if you prefer a less sweet or more sweet drink.
- Use sparkling water instead of still water for a fizzy version.
- Peeling the cucumber is optional; leave skin on for extra nutrients unless it’s very thick or bitter.
- The syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For an adult version, consider adding a splash of vodka or gin.
Keywords: cucumber mint cooler, summer drink, refreshing beverage, cucumber syrup, mint cooler, lime drink, cold drink recipe, non-alcoholic beverage
