Refreshing cucumber mocktail recipe
Refreshing cucumber mocktail recipe is a easy American recipe that serves 1. 14 calories per serving. Recipe by Cityline on YouTube.
Prep: 5 min | Cook: 1 min | Total: 11 min
Cost: $1.90 total, $1.90 per serving
Ingredients
- 4 slices Cucumber (thin slices, about 30 g total)
- 5-6 leaves Fresh Mint Leaves (fresh, washed)
- 1 cup Ice (crushed or cubed)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Lime Juice (about 15 ml, freshly squeezed)
- 3 dashes Lime Bitters (Dylan's Small Batch Lime Bitters)
- 250 ml Sparkling Water (chilled club soda or seltzer)
- 1 wheel Cucumber Wheel (thin round slice for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
Slice the cucumber into four thin rounds and pick 5‑6 fresh mint leaves. Set aside.
Time: PT3M
Muddle Cucumber and Mint
Place the cucumber slices and mint leaves into the highball glass and gently muddle with a muddler until the cucumber juices and mint oils are released.
Time: PT1M
Add Ice
Fill the glass with crushed or cubed ice, enough to almost reach the rim.
Time: PT30S
Add Lime Juice
Pour 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lime juice over the ice.
Time: PT15S
Add Lime Bitters
Add 3 dashes of lime bitters to the glass.
Time: PT15S
Shake
Transfer the contents to a cocktail shaker, add a handful of ice, and shake 5‑6 vigorous times.
Time: PT30S
Top with Sparkling Water
Strain the shaken mixture back into the original glass (or leave the ice) and gently top with 250 ml of chilled sparkling water.
Time: PT15S
Garnish and Serve
Place a cucumber wheel on the rim of the glass as garnish and serve immediately.
Time: PT15S
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 14
- Protein
- 0 g
- Carbohydrates
- 3 g
- Fat
- 0 g
- Fiber
- 0.5 g
Dietary info: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Low-Calorie
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Cucumber: cucumber ribbons, zucchini slices
- Instead of Fresh Mint Leaves: basil leaves, Thai basil leaves
- Instead of Fresh Lime Juice: bottled lime juice
- Instead of Lime Bitters: other citrus bitters
- Instead of Sparkling Water: plain soda water, seltzer water
Equipment Needed
- Highball Glass
- Muddler
- Cocktail Shaker
- Jigger or Measuring Spoon (optional)
- Bar Spoon (optional)
- Ice Bucket (optional)
- Cutting Board (optional)
- Knife (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Muddle cucumber and mint thoroughly to extract fresh flavors.
- Shake with ice to chill and lightly dilute the mixture.
- Top with sparkling water gently to retain fizz.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use chilled sparkling water for an extra refreshing bite.
- Clap the mint leaves between your hands before adding to release aromatic oils.
Troubleshooting
The drink tastes too bitter.
Reduce the amount of lime bitters or add a splash more sparkling water to balance the flavor.
The mocktail is watery and lacks cucumber flavor.
Muddle the cucumber more aggressively or use additional cucumber slices; also use less ice.
Storage
Refrigerator: If any leftover, keep in a sealed container for up to 24 hours; ice will melt, so add fresh ice before serving.
Freezer: Not applicable.
Room temperature: Not recommended to store at room temperature for more than an hour.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Muddle cucumber and mint up to 2 hours ahead and store in the refrigerator.
- Pre‑squeeze lime juice and keep it chilled.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of cucumber mocktails in American entertaining?
Cucumber‑based non‑alcoholic drinks have become popular in the United States as a refreshing alternative at summer parties and health‑focused gatherings, reflecting a broader trend toward low‑alcohol and alcohol‑free options.
How did the cucumber jeulip mocktail become associated with modern cocktail culture?
The cucumber jeulip blends classic cocktail techniques—muddling, bitters, and sparkling water—with fresh garden ingredients, embodying the modern craft‑cocktail movement’s emphasis on flavor balance without alcohol.
What traditional regional variations exist for cucumber‑mint drinks in global cuisines?
In the Middle East, cucumber‑mint lemonade (known as "cucumber ayran") is served chilled, while in Japan, cucumber‑shiso mocktails use shiso leaves. Each variation highlights local herbs and citrus to complement cucumber’s coolness.
What occasions or celebrations is the cucumber jeulip mocktail traditionally served at in American culture?
It is popular at summer barbecues, bridal showers, baby showers, and any event where a sophisticated, alcohol‑free beverage is desired, offering a crisp palate cleanser.
What authentic ingredients are essential for an authentic cucumber jeulip mocktail versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include fresh cucumber, fresh mint, freshly squeezed lime juice, and citrus‑based bitters. Acceptable substitutes are cucumber ribbons for the slices, basil for mint, bottled lime juice, and other citrus bitters.
What other American mocktails pair well with the cucumber jeulip at a party?
Pair it with a watermelon‑lime agua fresca, a rosemary‑grapefruit spritzer, or a classic virgin mojito to offer a variety of refreshing, low‑calorie options.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the cucumber jeulip mocktail?
Common errors include over‑muddling the mint (which creates bitterness), using too many dashes of bitters, and shaking for too long, which dilutes the drink and reduces carbonation.
Why does this cucumber jeulip recipe use a brief shake rather than simply stirring?
A short, vigorous shake quickly chills the mixture and incorporates a thin layer of ice‑water dilution, creating a smoother texture while preserving the crispness of the sparkling water that would be lost with prolonged stirring.
What does the YouTube channel Cityline specialize in?
The YouTube channel Cityline focuses on easy‑to‑follow, modern home‑cooking tutorials and entertaining ideas, often highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients and approachable mocktail or cocktail recipes for everyday hosts.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
