Description

A simple, refreshing homemade summer drink made with fresh cucumber, lime, mint, and sparkling or still water. Perfect for cooling down on hot days with a crisp, hydrating flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

1 medium cucumber (about 200g), peeled and sliced
2 medium fresh limes, juiced plus wedges for garnish
15–20 fresh mint leaves, stripped from stems
2 tablespoons simple syrup (or honey/agave/maple syrup as alternative)
2 cups (480ml) cold water or sparkling water
Ice cubes as needed
Optional: pinch of sea salt

Instructions

Peel and thinly slice the cucumber. Juice the limes and set aside the wedges for garnish. Pick the mint leaves off their stems and rinse gently. Measure simple syrup and water.
In a pitcher or glass, add cucumber slices and mint leaves. Gently muddle with a muddler or back of a wooden spoon to release oils and juices without pulverizing.
Pour in the freshly squeezed lime juice and simple syrup. Add a pinch of sea salt if using. Stir gently to combine.
Add cold still or sparkling water and fill the pitcher with ice cubes to chill the drink without diluting it too quickly.
Stir everything well. Taste and adjust sweetness or lime juice as desired.
Serve in glasses filled with fresh ice, garnished with a lime wedge and a sprig of mint. Optionally add a cucumber ribbon on the rim.

Notes

Do not over-muddle mint and cucumber to avoid bitterness. Use chilled water and glasses for best refreshment. Simple syrup can be substituted with honey, agave, or maple syrup. Add a splash of gin or vodka for an adult cocktail version. Variations include using watermelon, green tea, or ginger for different flavor profiles.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Beverage
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (approximate)
Calories: 40
Sugar: 8
Sodium: 10
Carbohydrates: 10
Fiber: 1
Protein: 0.5

Keywords: cucumber cooler, lime mint drink, summer drink, refreshing beverage, homemade cooler, non-alcoholic drink, healthy drink