Cucumber Gin Cooler
Cucumber Gin Cooler Recipe | Refreshing Gin and Cucumber Cocktail
The Cucumber Gin Cooler is a contemporary drink that follows the traditional "cooler" template - a category of long, refreshing cocktails popular in American bars from the late 1800s through the early 1900s. Classic coolers combined a base spirit with citrus, sugar, and ginger ale or soda water, served over ice in tall glasses.
The cucumber variation emerged during the craft cocktail renaissance of the 2000s when bartenders began incorporating fresh produce and vegetables into drinks. The addition of muddled cucumber transforms a simple gin cooler into something more sophisticated and garden-fresh.
What makes the Cucumber Gin Cooler work is how cucumber's mild, vegetal flavor complements gin without overwhelming it. The cucumber adds a cooling sensation and fresh taste that pairs naturally with citrus and soda water. The drink remains light and sessionable, making it ideal for warm weather drinking.
The cooler format - with its larger volume and lower alcohol-by-volume ratio - makes this particularly suitable for afternoon gatherings or extended outdoor entertaining where stronger cocktails might be less appropriate.
RECIPE:
2 oz gin
¾ oz fresh lime juice
½ oz simple syrup
3-4 cucumber slices
2-3 oz soda water
Cucumber ribbon for garnish
Method:
Add cucumber slices to shaker and muddle gently
Add gin, lime juice, and simple syrup
Add ice and shake well until chilled
Strain into ice-filled highball glass
Top with soda water
Stir gently once
Garnish with cucumber ribbon