Watermelon + Cucumber Cooler Recipe

Refreshing, thirst-quenching, and simply bursting with summertime energy—the Watermelon + Cucumber Cooler is my go-to for beating the heat with style. Think of this drink as the ultimate fusion between sweet, juicy watermelon and crisp, verdant cucumber, all laced with cooling mint and a fizzy finish. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just want a glass of something happy after a long day in the sun, this cooler delivers every single time!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Watermelon + Cucumber Cooler is in its simplicity—the ingredients work in harmony, each one bringing its own fresh note to every glass. The best part? You don’t need anything fancy, just summer’s favorite fruits and a handful of easy upgrades to make your cooler really shine.

• Watermelon (about 4.5 lbs, cut into large pieces): Juicy, naturally sweet, and vibrant—it’s the core of this cooler.
• Honey (1/4 cup): Adds a gentle, floral sweetness that enhances the watermelon without overpowering.
• Cucumber (1/4, peeled): For a subtle, clean-tasting green freshness that is instantly cooling.
• Fresh Mint (1/2 cup): Muddled into each glass for a sweet, reviving aroma and a pop of green.
• Limes (2): The juice brightens every sip and adds zingy acidity that keeps the drink lively.
• Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides (2 scoops): For a nearly invisible protein boost with no flavor compromise—totally optional, but surprisingly seamless.
• Club Soda: Topping it off for that festive fizz and refreshing sparkle.

Variations

The Watermelon + Cucumber Cooler is naturally adaptable, so have fun making it your own! Whether you’re working with what’s on hand or just want to tailor it to your craving, there are plenty of ways to riff on this recipe and still end up with something totally delicious and refreshing.

• Add a Boozy Twist: Stir in a splash of vodka or gin for a light, summery cocktail that still feels fresh and hydrating.
• Make It Extra Zesty: Rim your glasses with salt and lime juice, margarita-style, for a tangy, sophisticated edge.
• Go Herbal: Substitute basil or lemon balm for the mint for a very different but equally refreshing aroma.
• Dial Up the Sweetness: Switch honey for agave, maple syrup, or even a zero-calorie sweetener for a different flavor profile.
• Supercharge with Citrus: Toss in a few orange or grapefruit segments to the blender if you want an extra citrus punch.
• Make it a Slushie: Blend with ice for a frosty, grown-up slushie vibe, perfect for heat waves!

How to Make Watermelon + Cucumber Cooler

Step 1: Muddle the Mint

Place a good amount of fresh mint into the bottom of each serving glass. Gently muddle the leaves with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release all those fragrant, cooling oils. The aroma is irresistible! Add a generous scoop of crushed ice on top to keep things frosty and to help the flavors blend.

Step 2: Blend the Fruit Base

Into your blender go the watermelon, peeled cucumber, honey, and those Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides (if you want the protein kick!). Blend on high until everything is silky-smooth and fully combined—this usually takes less than a minute, and it’ll turn the prettiest pink!

Step 3: Strain if Desired

For an ultra-smooth Watermelon + Cucumber Cooler, strain the blended mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or nut milk bag. Press with a spoon to extract all the juice, leaving any pulp behind. This step is optional, but especially nice if you want a really clear, refreshing finish.

Step 4: Assemble and Add Citrus

Pour the watermelon mix into each prepared glass, filling them about two-thirds full. Squeeze the juice from half a lime into each glass, giving your cooler a bright jolt of acidity that balances the sweetness.

Step 5: Top with Fizz and Serve

Just before serving, top off each glass with a splash of chilled club soda for that glorious fizz! Give it a gentle stir and garnish as you like—your Watermelon + Cucumber Cooler is ready to steal the spotlight.

How to Serve Watermelon + Cucumber Cooler

Garnishes

Play up the spa-day vibes by garnishing your Watermelon + Cucumber Cooler with a fresh mint sprig, a thin wheel of cucumber, or a juicy wedge of watermelon perched on the rim. You can also rim your glasses with a little salt and lime juice for a dramatic, margarita-inspired touch.

Side Dishes

This bright, fizzy cooler loves to hang out with all things summer—think grilled shrimp skewers, crisp green salads, or a platter loaded with hummus and crackers. It’s especially perfect alongside spicy dishes, since it cools everything down with each bubbly sip.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, serve your Watermelon + Cucumber Cooler in a tall pitcher with floating lime wheels and mint sprigs, or make individual mason jar cocktails-to-go for the cutest picnic treat. For extra style points, freeze tiny balls of watermelon and use them as edible “ice cubes” in each glass!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover watermelon and cucumber juice, just cover and refrigerate the base (without the soda) for up to two days. Give it a quick stir before serving, since natural separation can occur—and always add the club soda and garnishes just before pouring into glasses.

Freezing

You can freeze the strained watermelon-cucumber base in ice cube trays or popsicle molds for a fun, fruity summertime treat. Those cubes also double as flavor-boosters in your next batch of Watermelon + Cucumber Cooler—just blend and top with fizz!

Reheating

No reheating needed here—this cooler is best enjoyed super-chilled! If your stored base isn’t cold enough, serve it over extra ice or pop it in the fridge until icy cold before assembling your drinks.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Nothing says summer quite like a tall glass of Watermelon + Cucumber Cooler—vibrant, fizzy, and so easy to love! If you’re craving a drink that’s every bit as beautiful as it is refreshing, don’t let this one pass you by. Cheers to sunshine, cool sips, and all the little moments that make summer unforgettable!

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