15 Cool As a Cucumber Cocktails Perfect for Warm Weather
Justina Huddleston
Justina Huddleston
Justina Huddleston is a food writer living in Los Angeles. When she's not busy writing, she spends her time in the kitchen creating both virtuous and decidedly junky vegan food. Buffalo chickpea pizza, anyone? She's also been known to eat a plain block of tofu or beans straight out of the can for lunch, but somehow those culinary adventures don't make it to her Instagram. You can follow Justina on Twitter or see what's cooking in her kitchen on her blog, A Life of Little Pleasures.
From margaritas to mojitos, nothing cools you down on a hot summer day like a chilled cocktail. The key is using fresh ingredients that reflect the season you’re in. In the summer, perhaps a paloma out of grapefruit juice for some citrusy fun? Or add some herbs to your cocktail shaker for a fresh and verdant drink. But if you’re really looking to beat the heat, try incorporating the coolest ingredient of all — cucumber. These 15 cocktail recipes are just the ticket when you want to escape the summer sun.
Cucumber Melon Gin Spritzers
Melon balls and homemade melon simple syrup bring balance to these refreshing spritzers. (via Spices in my DNA)Watermelon-Cucumber Kombucha Coolers
Watermelon-cucumber infused kombucha is a perfect drink for hot days. Add silver tequila and soda water for a happy hour take. (via Feed Me Phoebe)Cucumber Rosemary Gin and Tonic
In this drink, rosemary adds a piney freshness that melds seamlessly with the cucumber and juniper flavors of the gin. (via Vegetarian Department)Cucumber Mint Fruit Cooler
Even if you don’t have a juicer, you can make this fruit-filled green drink. Just blend and strain a mix of cucumber, kiwi, grapes, and mint, then add a helping of ice cold vodka to give it a little kick. (via Yes to Yolks)Blackberry Cucumber Gin Spritzers
Berries lend a dramatic color to this spritzer. To add on the wow-factor, spiralize (don’t slice) your cucumbers for garnish. (via Spices in my DNA)Mediterranean Gimlet
A classic gimlet is made with lime juice and gin or vodka, but it’s a recipe that lends itself to plenty of experimentation. Add a dash of black pepper, some cilantro, and a few cucumber slices to give it a Mediterranean vibe. (via Garnish Blog)Cucumber Mint Mojarita Cocktail
This citrusy, minty cocktail combines two classics to make an all-star drink. Best of all, it takes just five ingredients and five minutes to make. (via The Cheers Years)Grapefruit Cucumber Gin Cocktail
Pair gin with grapefruit, rosemary, and cucumbers for a bracing-yet-balanced beverage. (via Pumpkin and Peanut Butter)Mint, Basil, and Cucumber Gin and Tonics
Add some character to a plain old gin and tonic with a flavorful trio of basil, mint, and cucumber. (via The Pretty Blog)Cucumber Jalapeño Margaritas
A little spice makes almost anything taste better, especially this drink that adds jalapeño for the perfect balance to the sweet-tart flavors in cucumber margaritas. (via Isabel Eats)Matcha Cucumber Spritzerini
White wine spritzers are anything but boring after they get a makeover from matcha, cucumber juice, and lime. (via Cali Zona)Boozy Green Elixir
Cucumber, lemon juice, mint, ginger, and lemongrass combine to make an elixir you’ll feel good about sipping — with or without the gin. (via My Diary of Us)Cucumber Lemon French 75
The French 75 becomes warm-weather-worthy with the addition of cucumber and extra lemon juice. (via Pumpkin and Peanut Butter)Pimm’s Cocktail Jug
Make a big batch of Pimm’s cup, the classic British cocktail that’s made with cucumber, fruit, and Pimm’s No. 1 liqueur, and serve it at your next garden party. (via Satori Design for Living)Cucumber Ginger Coolers
Cucumber bitters are the secret ingredient in this zippy take on the Dark n’ Stormy. They add a vegetal freshness that helps lighten up the other bold ingredients in your glass.Justina Huddleston
Justina Huddleston is a food writer living in Los Angeles. When she's not busy writing, she spends her time in the kitchen creating both virtuous and decidedly junky vegan food. Buffalo chickpea pizza, anyone? She's also been known to eat a plain block of tofu or beans straight out of the can for lunch, but somehow those culinary adventures don't make it to her Instagram. You can follow Justina on Twitter or see what's cooking in her kitchen on her blog, A Life of Little Pleasures.