Gin-Infused Cucumber Mint Cooler
A refreshing, herbaceous cocktail combining crisp cucumber and fresh mint with the botanical notes of gin for a perfect summer drink. This general-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together ounces gin, medium, peeled and sliced cucumber, ounce fresh lime juice 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 ounces gin
- 1/2 medium, peeled and sliced cucumber
- 8 leaves, plus extra for garnish fresh mint leaves
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- 3/4 ounce simple syrup
- 3 ounces club soda
- 1 cup ice cubes
Instructions
- Step 1: In a cocktail shaker, muddle 1/2 medium peeled and sliced cucumber with 8 fresh mint leaves until the cucumber is crushed and the mint is fragrant, about 20 seconds.
- Step 2: Add 2 ounces gin, 1 ounce fresh lime juice, 3/4 ounce simple syrup, and 1 cup ice cubes to the shaker. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 15 seconds until well chilled.
- Step 3: Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a tall glass filled halfway with fresh ice.
- Step 4: Top the glass with 3 ounces of club soda, gently stir to combine.
- Step 5: Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and a thin cucumber slice on the rim before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Gin-Infused Cucumber Mint 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-Infused Cucumber Mint Cooler?
Refrigerate any leftover gin-infused cucumber mint 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-Infused Cucumber Mint 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-Infused Cucumber Mint 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-Infused Cucumber Mint 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.
