gstill remember those sweltering summer afternoons at my grandmother’s house, where she’d hand me this magical green drink under her old fig tree. It was just cucumbers, mint, and whatever she had in the kitchen, but it felt like pure relief in a glass. Now I make my own version—this Cucumber Mint Cooler with just 1-2 calories per 100 ml—and every sip takes me right back to that shady spot where time moved slower.
Why You’ll Love Cucumber Mint Cooler
Look, I’ve tried every trendy summer drink out there, but nothing beats this Cucumber Mint Cooler for pure, honest refreshment. It’s not trying to be fancy or Instagram-perfect—it just works. The cucumber brings this clean, almost spa-like coolness, while the mint wakes up your taste buds without being overwhelming.
What I love most about this Cucumber Mint Cooler is how light it feels. At only 1-2 calories per 100 ml, I can drink it all day without that heavy, sugary feeling you get from most summer drinks. It’s like your body just exhales with relief after each sip.
And honestly? It’s become my go-to when I need to impress people without stressing myself out. Last weekend I made a pitcher for a barbecue, and people kept asking for the recipe. There’s something about the Cucumber Mint Cooler that makes people slow down and actually taste what they’re drinking.
Plus, if you’re anything like me and tend to forget to drink enough water during hot weather, this is a game-changer. It tricks your brain into thinking you’re having something special while secretly keeping you hydrated. Win-win.
Cucumber Mint Cooler
Ingredients
Method
- Blend cucumber, mint leaves, and cold water until smooth.
- Strain through a fine mesh or skip for a textured drink.
- Stir in fresh lime juice and sweetener, if using.
- Fill glasses with ice and pour cooler over the top.
- Garnish with cucumber slices and mint sprigs.
- Sip slowly and savor the cooling calm.
Nutrition
Notes
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Let us know how it was!Table of Contents
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make about 2 tall glasses of this refreshing delight:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh cucumber | 1 medium, peeled and chopped |
| Fresh mint leaves | 10–12 leaves |
| Cold water | 1 ½ cups (375 ml) |
| Fresh lime juice | 2 tablespoons |
| Sweetener (optional) | 1–2 teaspoons honey or stevia |
| Ice cubes | A handful |
| Thin cucumber slices & mint (for garnish) | As desired |
Everything here is fresh, natural, and low in calories — just like the Cucumber Mint Cooler itself.
How to Make Cucumber Mint Cooler
The beauty of this Cucumber Mint Cooler is that it’s basically impossible to mess up. I learned this the hard way after overthinking it for months, trying to get the “perfect” ratio. Turns out, it’s pretty forgiving.
Start with everything cold—and I mean everything. I used to just grab whatever cucumber was sitting on my counter, but trust me, chilled ingredients make all the difference in how refreshing your Cucumber Mint Cooler turns out. It’s the difference between “that’s nice” and “oh wow, I need this recipe.”
The blending part is where I was way too precious at first. You literally just throw the chopped cucumber and mint in with some cold water and blend until it looks like a pale green smoothie. Don’t overthink it—your Cucumber Mint Cooler doesn’t need to win any beauty contests.
Now, here’s where you have a choice. I usually strain mine because I like it smooth, but my friend Sarah drinks it pulpy and swears it’s better that way. Try both and see what works for you—there’s no wrong answer with the Cucumber Mint Cooler.
Add your lime juice and a tiny bit of sweetener if you want (though honestly, I skip it most of the time), pour over ice, and you’re done. The whole thing takes maybe five minutes, which is perfect because when it’s hot, the last thing you want is a complicated recipe.
Tips for Better Cucumber Mint Cooler
Delicate and refreshing — only 1 to 2 kcal per 100 ml.
I’ve made this Cucumber Mint Cooler probably a hundred times now, and I’ve definitely learned some tricks that make it even better. Most of these I figured out by accidentally messing things up, so you don’t have to.
Chill everything first: I cannot stress this enough. Room temperature ingredients make a sad, lukewarm Cucumber Mint Cooler that nobody wants. I keep my cucumbers in the fridge and use ice-cold water. It makes such a difference.
Don’t murder the mint: This was my biggest mistake early on. I’d blend the heck out of the mint and wonder why my Cucumber Mint Cooler tasted bitter. Just pulse it gently—you want to release the oils, not destroy the leaves.
Taste as you go: Every cucumber is different, and every bunch of mint is different. Start with less lime and sweetener than you think you need, then adjust. Your Cucumber Mint Cooler should taste fresh and clean, not sour or overly sweet.
Make it fizzy: Sometimes I swap half the water for sparkling water right before serving. It turns your Cucumber Mint Cooler into something special without any extra calories or effort.
If you’re serving this with food, it pairs amazingly with light stuff. I love it with a slice of cottage cheese banana bread for brunch or alongside some zesty lime shrimp and avocado salad for lunch. The Cucumber Mint Cooler is refreshing enough to cleanse your palate between bites.
Variations for Cucumber Mint Cooler
Once you get the hang of the basic Cucumber Mint Cooler, it’s fun to play around with different flavors. I’ve tried probably every variation imaginable, and these are the ones that actually work.
Cucumber Basil Cooler: Swap the mint for fresh basil—sounds weird, but it’s actually amazing. More sophisticated than the classic Cucumber Mint Cooler, it’s perfect when you want to feel fancy. I serve this one when my foodie friends come over.
Lemon Cucumber Version: Use lemon instead of lime for a brighter, more citrusy Cucumber Mint Cooler. It’s my go-to when I run out of limes, which happens more often than I’d like to admit.
Green Apple Twist: Throw in a few chunks of green apple when you blend. It adds this subtle sweetness that makes the Cucumber Mint Cooler feel more like a treat. Kids love this version.
Ginger Kick: A tiny piece of fresh ginger blended in makes this Cucumber Mint Cooler feel almost medicinal in the best way. Perfect when you’re feeling a bit run down or just want something with more zing.
If you’re into these kinds of fresh, healthy recipes, you might also like my protein bagel recipe for something more substantial, or the cottage cheese pizza crust when you want comfort food that won’t weigh you down. The Cucumber Mint Cooler actually pairs surprisingly well with both.
Health Benefits of the Cucumber Mint Cooler
Beautifully refreshing, and only 1–2 kcal per 100 ml — your body’s new favorite kind of love.
- Deep Hydration
Cucumber is over 95% water — which means this cooler is a delicious way to stay hydrated, especially on hot days or after a workout. - Natural Cooling Effect
Both cucumber and mint are known in traditional remedies for their cooling properties. One sip and it feels like your insides are exhaling. - Supports Digestion
Mint helps calm the digestive system, while cucumber offers gentle fiber and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s a quiet helper after a big meal or busy day. - Rich in Antioxidants
This blend is naturally full of antioxidants — from the cucumber’s skin to the lime’s zest. Every sip helps your body fight off oxidative stress, quietly and kindly. - Low-Calorie and Guilt-Free
With only 1–2 kcal per 100 ml, you can refill your glass without a second thought — and feel good doing it.
The Cucumber Mint Cooler isn’t just a drink. It’s a gentle reminder to treat yourself well, from the inside out.
Mistakes to Avoid
Keep it crisp, calm, and always under 1–2 kcal per 100 ml — that’s its quiet superpower.
❌ Using warm ingredients
If your cucumbers or water aren’t cold, the whole drink falls flat. It should feel like a breeze through tall grass — not a lukewarm afterthought. Chill everything first or serve with extra ice.
❌ Over-blending the mint
Mint is gentle. Blend it too long, and it turns bitter and overpowering. Just a quick pulse is enough to release its calm, cooling oils without crushing its nature.
❌ Skipping the strain when it counts
If texture matters to you or your guests, don’t skip the straining step. The goal is lightness — and too much pulp can weigh the drink down.
❌ Adding too much sweetener
This is a whisper of a drink, not a dessert. Too much sweetness smothers the crispness of the cucumber and the lift of lime. Let the flavors speak for themselves.
❌ Letting it sit too long
Fresh is everything. If you’re prepping ahead, keep the cucumber base separate and add lime and mint just before serving. Otherwise, it loses that garden-fresh sparkle.
The Cucumber Mint Cooler thrives in simplicity — light, fresh, and effortlessly soothing. Stay gentle with it, and it will always return the favor.
Serving Ideas for Cucumber Mint Cooler
Light, elegant, and only 1–2 kcal per 100 ml — serve it like a breeze in a glass.
I used to just throw this Cucumber Mint Cooler in whatever glass was handy, but I’ve learned that presentation actually matters. Not in a fancy, Instagram way, but in a “this makes me feel good” way.
Tall glasses are your friend: There’s something about a tall, cold glass that makes the Cucumber Mint Cooler feel more special. I like to chill my glasses in the freezer for a few minutes first—those frosty glasses just hit different.
Go crazy with the garnish: cucumber ribbons, mint sprigs, even a lime wheel if you’re feeling it. The Cucumber Mint Cooler is pretty enough that a little extra garnish makes it look restaurant-worthy.
Pitcher party: When I’m having people over, I make a big pitcher and add tons of ice, cucumber slices, and mint leaves. It looks impressive, and people can help themselves. Plus, the Cucumber Mint Cooler actually gets better as it sits for a bit and the flavors meld.
Pair it smart: This works as a welcome drink, a palate cleanser between courses, or just something to sip while you’re cooking. I love having it with lighter meals like cottage cheese and banana bread for brunch or alongside something richer to cut through the heaviness.
Make it an event: Sometimes I set up a little “cooler bar” where people can customize their own Cucumber Mint Cooler with different garnishes and add-ins. It’s simple, but people love it.
A Final Sip: What This Cooler Taught Me
I never expected a simple drink to become such a big part of my summer routine, but this Cucumber Mint Cooler has seriously changed how I think about staying hydrated. It’s not just about the taste—though at 1-2 calories per 100 ml, it tastes pretty amazing—it’s about having this little ritual that makes me slow down.
Every time I make it, I think about my grandmother and those hot afternoons under her fig tree. She probably had no idea she was creating a family tradition, but here I am, decades later, still reaching for that same combination of cucumber and mint when I need to cool down.
What I love most is how this Cucumber Mint Cooler makes the ordinary feel special. It’s just vegetables and herbs, really, but somehow it transforms a regular Tuesday into something a little more refreshing. And isn’t that what good food should do?
The best part? It’s so easy that you can make it without thinking, but it’s good enough that it impresses people. I’ve converted so many friends to this Cucumber Mint Cooler that I should probably start charging commission to cucumber farmers.
Give it a try, especially on one of those days when nothing sounds good but you know you need to drink something. I have a feeling it might become your new summer obsession too.
FAQs about Cucumber Mint Cooler
Can I make the Cucumber Mint Cooler ahead of time?
Yes — but keep the blended cucumber base and lime separate. Mix with mint and ice just before serving to preserve freshness.
What’s the best cucumber to use?
English cucumbers are ideal — they’re seedless and tender, with a mild flavor perfect for this drink.
How long will it keep in the fridge?
The strained cucumber base lasts up to 2 days in a sealed jar, but it’s best enjoyed fresh within hours.
Can I skip the sweetener?
Absolutely. It’s lovely unsweetened, especially when your cucumbers are naturally crisp and tender.
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