Cucumber Mint Cooler
An incredibly refreshing and crisp non-alcoholic beverage, the Cucumber Mint Cooler combines the cooling essence of fresh cucumber with the invigorating aroma of mint, balanced with a hint of tang and sweetness, making it the perfect hydrating drink for hot days.
Muddle cucumber and mint
In a sturdy glass, combine 0.5 roughly chopped medium cucumber and 8-10 fresh mint leaves. Gently muddle them to release their juices and aromatic oils, without pulverizing completely.
💡 Tips:
- •Muddling gently extracts flavor without making the drink bitter. If you don't have a muddler, the back of a wooden spoon works well.
Add lime juice and sweetener
Add 0.5 ounce (15 ml) fresh lime juice and 0.5 ounce (15 ml) simple syrup (or dissolved sugar) to the muddled mixture. Stir well to combine and dissolve the sweetener.
💡 Tips:
- •Adjust the amount of simple syrup based on your preferred sweetness. Fresh lime juice brightens the flavor considerably.
Add ice and water
Fill the glass with 1 serving of ice. Pour 0.75 cup (180 ml) chilled still or sparkling water into the glass. Stir gently.
💡 Tips:
- •Use chilled water to ensure the drink stays cold. Sparkling water adds a delightful fizz.
Garnish and serve
Garnish with 1 long cucumber ribbon (made with a vegetable peeler) and 1 fresh mint sprig, if desired. Serve immediately.
💡 Tips:
- •The cucumber ribbon adds an elegant touch and extra cucumber aroma.
- 💡For a more intense cucumber flavor, you can blend the cucumber with a splash of water and then strain it before adding to the drink.
- 💡Add a thin slice of fresh ginger or a small piece of lemongrass when muddling for an aromatic twist.
- 💡A tiny pinch of salt can surprisingly enhance the flavors and hydration properties of this cooler.
- 💡This cooler can be adapted by adding other fruit purees, such as a small amount of watermelon or honeydew puree, for a fruity variation.
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