Description
A refreshing, hydrating, and visually stunning summer mocktail made with crisp cucumber, cool mint, and zesty lime. This easy-to-make drink is perfect for parties and requires no fancy equipment.
Ingredients
- 2 medium English or Persian cucumbers
- 1 large bunch fresh mint (spearmint preferred)
- 2–3 medium limes (for juice and zest)
- 4–6 cups plain unsweetened sparkling water
- ½ cup simple syrup (or honey/agave nectar)
- 2–3 tablespoons honey or agave nectar (if not using simple syrup)
- Extra mint leaves for garnish
- Cucumber ribbons for garnish
- Lime wheels for garnish
- Ice cubes (large preferred)
Instructions
- Wash cucumbers and mint. Slice cucumbers into thin ribbons using a vegetable peeler and set aside.
- Juice and zest the limes. Measure out the simple syrup or honey.
- In a large pitcher, combine lime juice, lime zest, and simple syrup (or honey).
- Add about half of the mint leaves to the pitcher. Gently press or muddle the mint to release oils without tearing the leaves.
- Add cucumber ribbons to the pitcher and toss gently with the lime-mint mixture. Let sit for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Pour in chilled sparkling water and stir gently to combine without losing carbonation.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness as needed.
- Fill tall glasses with ice cubes.
- Pour the mocktail over the ice.
- Garnish each glass with a sprig of mint, a cucumber ribbon, and a lime wheel. Serve immediately.
Notes
[‘Chill all ingredients (cucumbers, limes, sparkling water) for at least an hour before making to keep the drink cold without dilution.’, ‘Do not over-muddle the mint, as it can release bitter compounds.’, ‘Make the cucumber-mint-lime base up to 4 hours ahead, but add sparkling water only right before serving to maintain carbonation.’, ‘Use large ice cubes to prevent rapid melting and dilution.’, ‘For a low-sugar version, skip the simple syrup or use a sugar-free sweetener like stevia.’]
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverages
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass (approx. 8-1
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 9
- Sodium: 10
- Carbohydrates: 11
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 0.5
Keywords: mocktail, cucumber mint drink, summer party drinks, non-alcoholic cocktails, refreshing drinks, hydrating drinks, easy recipes, gluten-free, vegan