Instructions

Prep Your Ingredients:

Gather all your ingredients. Wash the cucumber and mint leaves thoroughly.

If making simple syrup, combine equal parts sugar and water in a small saucepan, heat until sugar dissolves, then let it cool.

Muddle the Cucumber:

In a cocktail shaker, add 4-5 slices of cucumber and a few mint leaves (if using).

Using a muddler, gently press down to release the cucumber's juices and mint's aroma. Be careful not to pulverize it completely; you just want to extract the flavors.

Add the Liquid Ingredients:

Pour in the gin (or vodka), fresh lime juice, and simple syrup into the shaker.

Fill the shaker with ice cubes and cover it tightly.

Shake It Up:

Shake the mixture vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until well chilled. You should feel the shaker getting cold.

Strain and Serve:

Use a strainer to pour the mixture into a glass filled with ice.

Top off with club soda to add a little fizz.

Garnish and Enjoy:

Garnish with an extra slice of cucumber and a sprig of mint for an appealing presentation.

Variations

Herbal Cucumber Cooler: Add fresh basil or rosemary instead of mint for a unique flavor twist.

Spicy Cucumber Cooler: Incorporate a slice or two of jalapeño for a spicy kick.

Fruit-Infused Version: Muddle additional fruits like strawberries or raspberries along with the cucumber for a fruity take.