Barley Free Classic Cucumber Mint Mocktail
Cool, crisp, and genuinely refreshing, this cucumber mint mocktail is the kind of drink that makes you feel like you're sitting on a shaded patio even when you're just standing in your kitchen. Muddled cucumber and fresh mint come together with bright lime juice and a quick homemade simple syrup, then get topped with sparkling water for a fizzy, elegant finish. Every single ingredient here is naturally grain-free, so there's no need to scan labels or second-guess anything — just clean, whole components from start to glass. The homemade syrup takes only a few minutes on the stovetop and gives you full control over what's going into your drink, which is a nice change from store-bought mixers that can hide unexpected additives. Shaking everything over ice before straining it into chilled glasses gives the mocktail a beautifully smooth, well-blended flavor that feels far more sophisticated than the effort involved. Garnished with a fresh cucumber round and a sprig of mint, it's as pretty as anything you'd order at a cocktail bar — and completely your own.
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Learn more →Ingredients
2 servings
For the simple syrup
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup water
For the mocktail
- ½ medium english cucumber (about 4 oz), cut into ¼-inch rounds
- 16 fresh mint leaves, plus 2 sprigs for garnish
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes)
- 1 cup sparkling water, chilled
- 1 cup ice cubes
For serving
- 2 thin cucumber rounds, for garnish (optional)
- 2 mint sprigs, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes until no longer steaming.
- 2
Add the cucumber rounds and mint leaves to a cocktail shaker or large jar. Muddle firmly until the cucumber releases its juice and the mint is bruised and fragrant, about 10–12 presses.
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