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.
This is fabulous. I love all of the new drinks with basil, and have not seen this one. We have been having sweltering weather as well and this looks so refreshing and simple in the mason jars, nice touch. Perfect for my summer birthday party theme.
Ah – I was wondering when we’d hear a TSA story from EWR! It was good to hear your thoughts on the conference as well.
Love it and yes, I’m sensing a new trend too 🙂 Basil is the new “black”!!! LOL
Hi Lauren,
Thanks for both the delicious recipe and the kind words about Eat Write Retreat. We were thrilled to have you there and so pleased that the weekend turned out to be special for everyone involved.
I am forwarding a link to this post to my husband, who is our resident mixologist. It sounds perfect for these blistering days (what will July and August feel like?). I can’t wait to try it with fresh basil from our garden!
Best,
Casey
Your blog is amazing! Your photos are gorgeous and so professional and your love for the food just beams from your post and recipes. So glad I found it! Following you now and will be back all the time. Hope your having a wonderful day!
Hi, Lauren! I’m new to your blog. It’s so well written, with so many great recipes, that I cannot wait to try!! I had my first mojito this weekend, and am a big fan! Even though this recipe doesn’t have alcohol in it, since it was inspired by it, I am going to have to try this! =]
xoxo,
Juju
This definitely sounds like the perfect warm weather refreshment! All this talk about all these blogger conferences makes me so jealous! One of these days, I’ll get around to attending one of them =)
I just had to laugh at that last tip! I’m always a bit wary when the TSA people see tons of weird cooking items and spices and herbs in my bag.
These spritzers sound incredibly refreshing! Cucumbers just can’t be beat when it comes to drinks like this!
I had a feeling you would appreciate that one. 🙂
love this – i love basil in cool drinks in the summer. it’s so refreshing!
I can’t thank you enough for this recipe! The timing couldn’t have been better. I am pregnant this summer and have been missing the refreshment of a gin and tonic on the really hot days. This will be the perfect replacement! I see this being a staple in our refrigerator all summer. It may even become my go-to summer drink after the baby comes.
Gin + Tonic is my favorite too – I bet you’ll love these!
Congratulations on the baby! 🙂