Beef 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 poolside even on an ordinary Tuesday. Fresh English cucumber and bruised mint leaves are muddled together to release every drop of their bright, garden-fresh flavor before being shaken with lime juice and a quick homemade simple syrup. That little syrup — just sugar and water — takes only a couple of minutes on the stove and makes a noticeable difference compared to anything you'd pour from a bottle. The whole thing gets strained smooth and topped with chilled sparkling water for a fizzy, elegant finish that looks as good as it tastes. It's completely plant-based and naturally free from any animal products, so it works for a wide range of guests without any substitutions or workarounds. Garnish with a thin cucumber round and a sprig of mint and you've got something that genuinely looks like it came from a cocktail bar.
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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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