Fresh Cucumber Mint Gin-Free Tonic Recipe with Elderflower Syrup
A quick and refreshing alcohol-free tonic featuring crisp cucumber, fresh mint, and floral elderflower syrup, perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- About half a medium cucumber, thinly sliced or peeled into ribbons
- 8–10 fresh mint leaves, gently bruised
- 1 to 1.5 tablespoons elderflower syrup
- 8 ounces (240 ml) tonic water, chilled
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (about half a lime)
- Plenty of ice cubes, preferably large
- Optional garnish: extra mint sprigs, thin cucumber slices, or a lime wheel
Instructions
- Place large ice cubes into a highball or Collins glass, filling about three-quarters full.
- Add fresh mint leaves to the bottom of the glass and gently muddle with a muddler or wooden spoon to release oils without crushing.
- Layer in thin cucumber slices or ribbons.
- Pour 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of elderflower syrup over the mint and cucumber.
- Add 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice.
- Slowly pour 8 ounces (240 ml) of chilled tonic water over the ingredients.
- Stir gently once or twice with a bar spoon or long spoon to combine flavors without killing the fizz.
- Garnish with a sprig of mint, a thin cucumber ribbon, or a lime wheel on the rim and serve immediately.
Notes
Use a light touch when muddling mint to avoid bitterness. Keep tonic water chilled until just before pouring to maintain fizz. Large ice cubes melt slower and keep the drink cold without dilution. Optionally chill cucumbers and mint before use for extra refreshment. For a low-sugar option, use sugar-free elderflower syrup or dilute with sparkling water.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass (about 10-12
- Calories: 7090
- Sugar: 16
- Sodium: 15
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 1
Keywords: cucumber tonic, mint tonic, elderflower syrup, alcohol-free cocktail, refreshing drink, mocktail, summer drink