Watermelon Cucumber Cooler

Easy and Fresh Watermelon Cucumber Cooler Aviation Gin Cocktail Recipe
Aviation Gin
Prep: 3 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 3 mins
Serving: 1 serving
Yield: 1 cocktail

There are some flavor pairings that are just natural and as lovely in their aroma as they are in taste. Watermelon and cucumber are one of those combinations and this refreshing cocktail displays that marriage perfectly.

The watermelon cucumber cooler recipe was created for Aviation Gin and it may be the only gin that could pull this drink off with such perfection. It is more of a floral and citrus gin, with juniper hanging out lightly in the background, and that is an ideal foundation for the watermelon-cucumber combo.

Watermelon is also one of the easiest fruit to juice, so it will not take long to get what you need for the drink. The easiest way is to simply muddle a few chunks and strain out the juice. This is a great use for that melon that always seems to be leftover after a picnic and the drink is easy enough that you could mix it up right there on the patio.

Ingredients

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. Press the watermelon to make juice (squeeze the watermelon in a juicer or muddle about three 1-inch chunks in a mixing glass). Strain and reserve 1 1/2 ounces of the juice.

  3. Place 2 slices of cucumber in a cocktail shaker and muddle well.

  4. Add the gin, simple syrup, watermelon and lime juices, and salt. Fill with ice and shake vigorously for 30 seconds.

  5. Fine strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice. Top with soda water.

  6. Top with soda water.

  7. Garnish with a cucumber slice. Serve and enjoy.

Tips

  • Don't pass on the pinch of salt. Without it, this drink would be like a Bloody Mary without the black pepper: slightly bland, but tolerable.
  • Fine straining is an essential step because it will remove the small fruit bits, including the seeds. It's very simple and should be done for both the watermelon juice and the cocktail to eliminate cucumber pieces. To do it, use your normal cocktail strainer while pouring through a fine-mesh strainer into the glass.

Recipe Variations

  • If you're going to use a substitute for Aviation, try to choose a gin with a similarly soft profile. Hendrick's is a great choice and the gin's cucumber notes are a perfect accent for this drink.
  • Sweeten up the drink with another clear, lightly flavored soda. Ginger ale or any citrus soda would be an excellent choice.
  • You could even switch to a flavored simple syrup, which is easy to make at home. Think of complementary flavors for the melon and cucumber, such as basil, mint, strawberry, or vanilla. Ginger syrup would add a fun spice, too.

How Strong Is a Watermelon Cucumber Cooler?

Despite the fact that Aviation is bottle slightly stronger than the average gin (84 proof), this is a very light cocktail because it's the only alcohol. On average, you can expect it to weigh in around 10 percent ABV (20 proof), or about the same as a gin and tonic.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
159 Calories
0g Fat
16g Carbs
1g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Amount per serving
Calories 159
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 91mg 4%
Total Carbohydrate 16g 6%
Dietary Fiber 1g 3%
Total Sugars 12g
Protein 1g
Vitamin C 17mg 84%
Calcium 38mg 3%
Iron 0mg 2%
Potassium 212mg 5%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)