Fizzy Cucumber Mint Mocktail

This refreshing non-alcoholic cucumber mint mocktail has become my signature drink for the fast approaching summer -- a perfect blend of crisp cucumber juice, aromatic mint, and rosewater that refreshes.

Two years ago I hosted my birthday party in my apartment, and the (imo) pièce de résistance was the mocktail station I spent way too much money on. While I loved the concept, my alcohol-inclined friends were less than impressed (hosting tip #1: read the room). Looking back on it, I wish I'd simply made it BYO and prepared a big pitcher of this cucumber mint mocktail for those of us who didn't feel like drinking.

But whatever.

This cucumber mint mocktail is the perfect standout refreshment for warm spring and summer months. The crisp, hydrating drink works beautifully for casual backyard gatherings, elevated dinner parties, intimate dinners for two, or any time you want something sophisticated without alcohol. It's ideal for Mother's Day brunches, Memorial Day BBQs, 4th of July celebrations, baby showers, and fizzy at-home spa days.

This non-alcoholic drink fits perfectly into the growing mindful drinking movement, where people are seeking elevated alcohol-free options. While I love chugging sipping Three Spirit's "The Enlivener" and trying out the intricate recipes in Julia Bainbridge's Good Drinks: Alcohol-Free Recipes for When You're Not Drinking for Whatever Reason, I don't always want to burn money on a $40 bottle of Enlivener trek to Kalustyan's for purple corn, yuzu kosho, or canned pandan leaves extract.

This cucumber mint mocktail, offers a similar-ish (I mean, a tomato juice Seedlip Spice 94 cocktail with a spiced mushroom salt rim is going to taste A LOT more complex) experience with ingredients you can find in your grocery store.

Pack this drink for a picnic alongside my shaved carrot salad with spiced ginger-lime vinaigrette. You won't be disappointed.

❤️ You'll love this cucumber mint mocktail because...

• Rosewater - The secret ingredient. This cucumber mint mocktail contains rosewater. The delicate floral aroma and taste of rosewater complements the crisp, refreshing flavor of cucumber and adds a layer of complexity and intrigue that (imo) most people won't be able to put their finger on.
• Simple ingredients, complex flavor - While this cucumber mint uses everyday ingredients you can find at most grocery stores, the combination creates a surprisingly nuanced and satisfying drink.
• Perfectly balanced sweetness - The mint simple syrup adds just enough sweetness to complement the cucumber's natural freshness without being cloying. Start with less if you prefer an even less sweet drink.
• Clean, bright taste - Infusing fresh mint into simple syrup creates a clear, vibrant flavor without any bitter or muddy notes (don't steep for too long! and use only the leaves!)

🥘 Ingredients

• Sugar - Granulated white sugar or turbinado sugar (like Sugar in the Raw) work equally well for the simple syrup
• Water - For both blending the cucumber juice and the mint simple syrup
• Fresh mint leaves - Lot of leaves to steep in the mint honey simple syrup, a couple leaves to muddle in the drink itself, and extra sprigs for decoration
• Cucumber - Cheap garden-variety work perfectly since we're peeling, seeding, and straining them anyway. No need to splurge on an English cucumber
• Club soda or seltzer - Either works; the main difference is sodium content (seltzer contains no sodium). Use whichever you prefer.
• Rosewater - Adds a lovely floral complexity that complements the cucumber beautifully without overpowering the drink since we only add a small amount

See recipe card for quantities.

🍽 Equipment

• Mini saucepan - For making the mint simple syrup. We use the Turkish coffee pot from my partner's Turkish coffee phase, but any small saucepan works well
• Fine mesh strainer - To strain the mint leaves from the simple syrup and later strain the cucumber juice from the pulp for a smoother texture
• Cutting board - Plastic and wooden cutting boards are recommended because they are gentler on knives and provide better grip than glass or stone cutting boards
• Vegetable peeler - My favorite type of vegetable peeler is Y peeler. They're generally inexpensive and more ergonomic
• Sharp knife - For roughly chopping the cucumber
• Blender - Compact or full-size or even immersion to make the cucumber juice. You could also use a juicer, but I don't have one of those and don't plan on buying one. Too single use
• Muddler - For gently releasing oil from fresh mint leaves in the glass when preparing the cucumber mint mocktail
• Jigger - Or measuring spoons and cups for measuring the mocktail ingredients

🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Mint Simple Syrup

Step 1: Bring sugar and water just to a boil, then remove from heat

Step 2: Add fresh mint leaves to the hot simple syrup and let steep for 10 minutes

Step 3: Strain out mint leaves and let syrup cool

For the Cucumber Juice

Step 1: Peel and trim the cucumber

Step 2: Remove seeds, then roughly chop into large chunks

Step 3: Blend cucumber chunks with a splash of water until smooth

Step 4: Strain cucumber mixture through a fine mesh strainer

Make the Cucumber Mint Mocktail

Step 1: Add fresh mint leaves to serving glass and gently muddle

Step 2: Add ice to the glass, followed by by cucumber juice, mint simple syrup, and a few drops of rosewater

Step 3: Stir gently

Step 4: Top with club soda

Step 5: Garnish with cucumber slices and fresh mint sprigs

💡 Tips and Tricks

Always Peel and Seed Your Cucumbers

Cucumber contain bitter compounds called cucurbitacins. It is more concentrated in the skin and stem-end of the cucumber. American garden cucumbers have particularly thick, waxed skin that will make your cucumber mint mocktail taste like shite -- I learned this the hard way during recipe testing. I've found conflicting info about whether or not the bitterness can be found in the seeds to, so just to be safe you should also seed the cucumbers (please comment below though if you know whether or not the seeds also contain a significant amount of cucurbitacins!).

Use Only Mint Leaves in Simple Syrup

Take the time to pluck mint leaves from their stems before steeping. Stems have a bitter, less vibrant flavor that could muddy your mint simple syrup. Keep it clean and bright by using leaves only.

Don't Over-Steep the Mint

Don't steep the mint leaves in the simple syrup for longer than 10 minutes. Strain it immediately. Longer steeping doesn't mean more flavor--it leads to bitter, vegetal notes that will ruin your cucumber mint mocktail. Set a timer if you must. Wilted mint tastes AWFUL.

Try Slapping Your Mint

Before garnishing, place your mint sprigs or leaves in your palm and give them a good clap (or two!). This gently bruises the leaves so they can release their aromatic oils, making your drink smell incredible. My father-in-law taught me this bartending trick!

Add Rosewater Drop by Drop

Start with a ¼ teaspoon of rosewater and taste the cucumber mint mocktail before adding more. Rosewater can quickly overpower the delicate cucumber and mint flavors so less is definitely more.

Serve Immediately

This cucumber mint mocktail is best enjoyed fresh. Although the cucumber juice can be preserved with a dash of lemon or lime juice for 24 hours at most, the cucumber juice will oxidize and the carbonation will fade, so mix and serve right away for the best flavor and presentation.

👯 Substitutions

• Sugar - White granulated sugar will lend a neutral sweetness to the cucumber mint mocktail, letting the flavors shine. Honey tastes great too. Avoid maple syrup since its distinct flavor will complete with the delicate flavors of cucumber and mint
• Club soda - Any sparkling water works here. Topo Chico, LaCroix, homemade soda water, etc.
• Fresh mint - If you must, you could use dried mint for the simple syrup (I'm not sure how much though). Always use fresh mint for muddling and garnish though.
• Cucumber - English cucumbers work just fine, though I think spending the extra money is unnecessary since we're peeling and seeding the cucumber anyways.

🍸 Mocktail to Cocktail

For anyone who enjoys alcohol, these spirits pair well with the cucumber, mint, and rosewater flavors. Add 1-2 ounces of your chosen spirit to the recipe and adjust the sweetness as needed.

• Gin - The botanical notes would complement both the cucumber and mint perfectly!
• Vodka - Not my favorite to use as it would give the already clean cocktail a cleaner taste, but if that's what you're going for, you do you.
• White rum - Would turn this into a cucumber mojito. Use light rum!
• Elderflower liqueur - I love elderflower liqueurs like St-Germain. The botanical notes would complement the cucumber, rosewater, and mint in a similar way gin does. Elderflower liqueur is very sweet so you might have to reduce the mint simple syrup, add extra club soda, or add water.
• Tequila Blanco - A cucumber twist on a margarita, though I suggest making the simple syrup with agave instead of sugar.
• Prosecco or champagne - Try replacing the cub soda with a sparkling wine for a cucumber mint spritz.

🍐 Serving Suggestions

Pairings

• Dill-forward dishes - Like smoked salmon canapés
• Lemon and herb dishes - A Greek-style grilled chicken or fish
• Summer salads
• Watermelon and feta salad
• Hummus
• Whipped feta dip

Occasions

• Picnics
• Garden parties
• Mother's Day Brunch
• Spring and summer bridal showers
• Spring and summer baby showers and gender reveal parties
• Afternoon tea
• Celebrating the joys of living alone and being able to make special little things to enjoy whenever you want however you want

Presentation Ideas

• Punch bowl - Serve it in a punch bowl for a garden party with cucumber slices and mint leaves floating on top
• Collins glass - Elegant!
• Mason jars - For a casual and chill yet thoughtful presentation

🫙 Storage and Shelf Life

Mint Simple Syrup

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.

Avoid freezing.

Cucumber Juice

Store in an airtight container (with a little squeeze of lime juice if not using immediately to slow oxidization) in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Cucumber juice spoils very fast. While I was testing, the cucumber juice became inedible and slightly slimy feeling (to touch! I didn't drink it don't worry!) after about 48 hours.

Avoid freezing.

Cucumber Mint Mocktail

Serve immediately after making.

Make-Ahead Tips

Prepare the mint simple syrup in advance and make the cucumber juice the morning of serving. Keep all components chilled separately then assemble the drinks.

🙋 FAQ

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