Fresh and zingy, this alcohol-free cucumber tonic is a great alternative to the classic G&T.
The good news is that you won’t need to take hours infusing herbs and botanicals, or spend a fortune on non-alcoholic spirits either. All you’ll need is four simple ingredients: cucumber, lemon, juniper berries and tonic water.
Subtle yet distinctive, the crisp and refreshing cucumber juice is a perfect pairing with lemon and tonic. Imparting the characteristic gin-like flavors of pepper and pine, the crushed juniper berries bring finesse and flair to this delicate delectable delight.
Ingredients
- 1 oz. (30 ml) fresh cucumber juice (approx. ¼ cucumber)
- ½ oz. (15 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice (approx. ½ small lemon)
- 8 juniper berries
- 5 oz. (150 ml) tonic water
- Ice
- Cucumber slice and lemon spiral to garnish (optional)
Equipment
- Immersion hand blender
- Fine-mesh sieve
- Small bowl
- Knife
- Citrus juicer
- Muddler
- Cocktail spoon
- Highball glass
Instructions
- Start by making the cucumber juice.
- Peel the cucumber and chop into small pieces.
- Use an immersion hand blender to liquidize the cucumber.
- Over a bowl, pass the mixture through a fine mesh sieve using the back of a spoon to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the solids.
- Next, assemble the mocktail.
- In a highball glass, use a muddler to lightly crush the juniper berries.
- Fill the glass with ice.
- Add the cucumber juice, lemon juice and tonic water.
- Gently mix together using a cocktail spoon.
- Garnish with a slice of cucumber and a spiral of lemon peel.
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Cucumber Tonic FAQ
Can I use a regular blender instead of an immersion hand blender?
Yes, you can use any type of blender to liquidize the cucumber. I like to use an immersion hand blender because it’s quick and easy to assemble and clean.
Can I substitute the juniper berries with something else?
The juniper berries give the mocktail a distinctive gin-like quality as they are one of the primary botanicals used to distill the spirit. If you aren’t interested in replicating this flavor, you can experiment with different herbs and spices. Rosemary or thyme could work well here.
Can I substitute the tonic water with soda water?
Yes, you can use soda water instead of tonic water, but the drink will taste slightly different and less nuanced in flavor.
Can I make this cucumber tonic ahead of time?
If you want to get ahead, you can make the cucumber juice ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, you should only mix the mocktail when you are ready to serve it to ensure that it remains fresh and fizzy.
Can I use a different type of citrus juice instead of lemon juice?
Yes, you could replace the lemon with another citrus fruit like lime, grapefruit or orange. However, it’s important to remember that this will change the flavor of the mocktail.
Can I add sugar or simple syrup to the mocktail to make it sweeter?
Yes, you can add sugar or simple syrup to the mocktail to make it sweeter. However, the natural sweetness of the cucumber and tonic water should be enough.
Can I use a different type of glass instead of a highball glass?
Yes, you can use a different type of glass to serve the cucumber tonic. The recipe calls for a highball glass, but you could serve it in a Gin & Tonic stemmed glass, a Collins glass, or even a tumbler if you prefer.
Did you make this? Tag me @mightymocktail or use the hashtag #mightymocktail!