Gin and Cucumber Herb Cooler
A refreshing cocktail blending crisp gin with cool cucumber and fresh herbs for a light, aromatic summer drink. This general-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together gin, sliced thin cucumber, leaves fresh mint leaves for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin
- 1/4, sliced thin cucumber
- 6 leaves fresh mint leaves
- 4 leaves fresh basil leaves
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 3/4 oz simple syrup
- 3 oz club soda
- as needed ice cubes
Instructions
- Step 1: In a cocktail shaker, muddle 1/4 sliced cucumber with 6 fresh mint leaves and 4 fresh basil leaves gently to release their aromas.
- Step 2: Add 2 oz gin, 1 oz fresh lime juice, and 3/4 oz simple syrup along with ice cubes filling shaker halfway.
- Step 3: Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until well chilled and fragrant.
- Step 4: Strain mixture into a tall glass filled with fresh ice cubes.
- Step 5: Top with 3 oz club soda and stir gently to combine. Garnish with a cucumber slice and a sprig of mint before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Gin and Cucumber Herb Cooler take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Gin and Cucumber Herb Cooler?
Refrigerate any leftover gin and cucumber herb cooler in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Gin and Cucumber Herb Cooler?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Gin and Cucumber Herb Cooler for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Gin and Cucumber Herb Cooler?
General cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
