Cucumber Mint Aquavit Cooler
Aquavit, cucumber, mint, and lemon make a crisp, herbal cooler with a clean Scandinavian snap.
Prep: 10 · Cook: 5 · Total: 15 · Serves: 2 · Difficulty: Easy · Rating: 4.9/5 (67 reviews)
INSPIRED BY
This original cooler borrows the clean, herbal character of Scandinavian aquavit and gives it a tall, sunny format. Cucumber cools the caraway notes, lemon adds lift, and sparkling water makes the finish effortless.
Story
Theo likes a drink that tastes like a breeze through an open car window, and this one gets there with cucumber, mint, and a bottle of aquavit. The caraway notes give it direction, while lemon and bubbles keep the ride smooth. Serve it tall and cold before dinner.
By Theo
Ingredients
- 4 ounces aquavit
- 3 ounces fresh cucumber juice
- 1 1/2 ounces fresh lemon juice
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- 6 fresh mint leaves
- 1 cup chilled sparkling water
- 1 cup ice
- 4 cucumber ribbons
- 2 mint sprigs
Instructions
- Add the cucumber juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, and mint leaves to a cocktail shaker.
- Press the mint gently with a muddler or spoon until fragrant without shredding the leaves.
- Pour in the aquavit, fill the shaker with ice, and shake for 8 seconds.
- Strain into two tall glasses filled with fresh ice, dividing the drink evenly.
- Top each glass with sparkling water and stir once from the bottom up.
- Garnish with cucumber ribbons and mint sprigs, then serve immediately.
Chef Tips
- Use a cucumber that tastes fresh and sweet because the juice is the main flavor.
- Aquavit varies by brand, so adjust the simple syrup to match its herbal intensity.
- Do not over-muddle the mint or the drink can turn grassy.
- For a lower-proof pour, use 3 ounces aquavit and extra sparkling water.
Cook's Notes
- **Mint:** Press gently to release aroma.
- **Cucumber:** Use fresh juice for the cleanest flavor.
- **Bubbles:** Add sparkling water at the end.