This recipe for a cucumber cooler will have you refreshed in no time on that next overly hot summer day. The first time I had a version of this cucumber cooler was in Las Vegas, melting pool-side. It saved me; literally. It was over 110, and I decided it would be a great day to sit at the pool and catch up on reading. About 30 minutes into my relaxing day, I was wilted and needed to refresh. As soon as I saw the words cucumber cooler, I had a feeling I was about to be saved. After just one sip of being rewarded, I knew I had to figure out how to make these coolers at home.
Cucumbers are often the overlooked vegetable, don’t you think? I never buy them unless I have a specific recipe that calls for one or when I make Pork Souvlaki. It is the same with parsley, completely overlooked until I start using it as an ingredient besides as a garnish.
When I saw that Summer Fest was all about cucumbers this week, I knew I had to share this refreshing beverage recipe. The thing I often forget about is that cucumbers are so refreshing, and they have such a clean taste which makes them perfect to add into a refreshing beverage.
This recipe is really simple as you only need cucumbers, fresh lime and your favorite brand of ginger ale, we like to use Fever Tree as it is not overly sweet and it is zippy. You lightly muddle the cucumbers in a cocktail glass, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice, a drizzle of simple syrup and then you top it off with ginger ale. If you want to take it to an “adult” level, it is really lovely with a splash of gin.
Cucumber Cooler
** serves one
Ingredients:
6 cucumber slices, use organic cucumbers or peel first
1 teaspoon simple syrup
fresh lime juice from 1/2 lime
200ml ginger ale
ice cubes
How To:
Fill a cocktail glass with the cucumber slices. Muddle.
Add some ice cubes. Stir in the simple syrup.
Squeeze in the juice from half of the lime.
Top with the ginger ale.
Serve.
Drink.
Jacqueline
Tuesday 30th of July 2013
I'm lucky to get Chinese cukes from a neighbor's mom's garden. I slice long bias slices and drop them in my pitcher of water. I muddle them in cocktails, too. Love the look of this one and had just been thinking about doing a salad with ribbons of cucumber. Thanks for inspiring again!
Maris
Tuesday 30th of July 2013
I'm with Natalie -- this needs gin!
Nutmeg Nanny
Tuesday 30th of July 2013
Oh my, this looks ultra refreshing! I can't wait to try this :)
Todd @ HonestlyYUM
Tuesday 30th of July 2013
Cucumbers are one of my absolute favorite veggies for mixing in drinks. Very well done indeed. This drink reminds me of a Pimm's Cup. Can't wait for the peaches.
natalie @ wee eats
Friday 26th of July 2013
This looks so delicious and refreshing! I remember the first time I had cucumber-infused water... it was seriously LIFE-CHANGING. This looks amazing, and I'm sure a splash of gin wouldn't hurt ;)
admin
Sunday 28th of July 2013
Agree with you, cucumber water is perfect on a hot day. We are really into flavored waters using fruits and veggies. Great way to get you to drink the elixir of life.