If you’re looking for a refreshing drink that will help you beat the heat, these cucumber spritz mocktails are just what you’ve been waiting for. With hints of basil and lime and the perfect amount of bubbles, these sippable spritzers that scream summer.
What you’ll love about this recipe:
- Wonderfully Refreshing: Perfect for cooling down on those sweltering summer days.
- Easy to Assemble: With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll have your spritzer in no time. You can even prep them ahead!
- Health-Friendly: No added alcohols or artificial sweeteners — just pure, refreshing flavor.
Chill Out with A Fresh Cucumber Spritz
I developed this cucumber spritz recipe in June 2011, after having a cucumber mojito at Cuba Libre in Washington, DC. It was the first time I had a cucumber based drink outside of the spa, and I was completely smitten.
Since then, cucumber drinks have become more popular and I’ve has everything from cucumber-blackberry seltzer to cucumber gatorade (which is AMAZING on the beach!), but this OG cucumber spritz is still my favorite.
Made with the fresh cucumbers and aromatic basil, this drink is the essence of summer in a glass. They’re perfect for a cookout, a casual get-together, or a quiet moment for yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Cucumbers: You can use a traditional cucumber or a seedless one. Whichever you choose, look for a firm cucumber with smooth, dark skin for the crispest flavor.
Limes: Look for limes that are bright and firm to the touch; they’ll give you the most juice.
Basil Leaves: Fresh basil is non-negotiable for this recipe. If you don’t have any, you can swap it out for fresh mint.
Sugar: We’ll use this to make a lime and basil infused simple syrup that adds the perfect touch of sweetness and gives this drink a mocktail vibe. If you prefer, you can swap it out for sugar or agave nectar.
Sparkling Water or Club Soda: Because everything is better with bubbles! I use my Sodasteam to carbonate tap water. I love the convenience! Bottled club soda or plain seltzer also works.
How to make a cucumber-basil mocktail
Make the simple syrup by simmering sugar, water, and fresh lime zest. Strain out the lime and you’re good to go!
Peel and puree the the cucumber. You can use a food processor, blender, or handheld mini chopper for this step. Strain the puree for a smoother drink or use it as is if you don’t mind a little texture. I personally enjoy the little bits of cucumber in the drink, so I don’t usually bother to strain it.
Muddle the cucumber puree, simple syrup, lime juice, and simple syrup.
Top with club soda and garnish as desired.
Pro tips
- Use a vegetable peeler to create thin cucumber ribbons for garnishing your glass. It adds a touch of elegance!
- Not a fan of sugary drinks? Adjust the amount of simple syrup to suit your taste without compromising the spritzer’s refreshing quality.
- As mentioned above, you can feel free to swap out the basil for mint.
Commonly asked questions
Can I make this in advance?
Yes! Prepare the cucumber puree and simple syrup ahead and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How can I turn this into a Cocktail?
Add a shot of gin or white rum.
Can I use alternative sweeteners?
You can use honey or agave nectar instead of the sugar, or make a keto version using Swerve sweetener. You do not need to adjust the amount.
Any other ways to jazz it up?
Try adding in strawberries, blackberries, or raspberries for a fruity twist!
More summer drink recipes
- Sparkling Watermelon Mocktail
- Creamy Mango Smoothies
- Grilled Pineapple Mojitos
- 3 Ingredient Blackberry Gin Cocktails
- Honey-Sweetened Frozen Lemonade
Cucumber Spritz
Ingredients
- 1 Cucumber
- ½ cup Water divided
- 2 Limes zested and juiced
- ⅓ cup Sugar
- 8 fresh Basil Leaves
- 32 ounces Club Soda
Instructions
- Peel and seed the cucumber. Add the cucumber and 1/4 cup water to the bowl of a food processor, blender, or chopper. Process until the cucumber is liquefied. Strain if desired.
- Make the lime simple syrup by combining the sugar, lime zest, and remaining water in a small saucepan. Heat until the sugar has melted. Chill until ready to serve.
- For each drink drink: place 2 basil leaves, 1 Tablespoon fresh lime juice, and 1 Tablespoon of your simple syrup in the bottom of a glass. Use the back of a spoon to muddle the basil. Add 2 Tablespoons of cucumber puree and top with ice and 8 ounces of club soda. Stir gently to mix.
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Will have to try this, thanks for posting the recipe.
Yum these looks awesome! I see you’ll be attending the Big Summer Potluck this July. It will be my first time going and I’m looking forward to meeting you! xo
Thanks! You’ll love BSP. This will be my third year there and it’s the one summer event that I refuse to miss. 🙂
Lauren,
I’m inspired! I have an infusion pitcher in the fridge, a Mother’s day present, currently filled with strawberries and lime. Since I’ve got a handful of basil leaves from the first CSA farm share also in the fridge, I’m thinking of making a basil-infused water too. Even though I’m not into mixed drinks (I’m real good at using a bottle opener to get to my beer, though) I’ve taken away an idea from this. Thanks!
These look amazing and I’m giddy to finally be attending my first EWR – look forward to meeting you there!
Hi Lauren, thanks for submitting your photo to DMBLGiT July 2011. Wishing you good luck !