10 Healthy Cucumber Cocktail Recipes for Summer

One of the worst dates I’ve ever been on was with a guy who I have to assume is the most boring dude to walk the earth. Let’s call him Jim, who I had met in a bar a week prior. Why I agreed to go out with him in the first place, I’m still not sure.

Jim texted me while I was en route to inform me he’d arrived and was sitting at the bar. I was on track to get there about 30 seconds late, which for someone who is chronically late, is a feat of sorts.

The whole thing was awkward from the start. I’m sorry but if you absolutely have to ask what I’m wearing so you can identify me in a bar where there are like five other people, I’m going to respond with “a suit of armor.” When he asked flatly why I said that, and then told me he “gets really ticked off” when people are late, I considered turning around and walking out.

Alas, I stuck it out, and no, I did not see Jim again. There was however, a silver lining, in the form of cucumber gin cocktails. I discovered my passion for these puppies that night, thanks to a recommendation from the bartender.

I’m not even a big cucumber fan! But whenever I come across anything “cucumber” on a menu now, I order it without hesitation. They’re super refreshing, and as healthy as a cocktail can get. Since they’re made up of about 95 percent water, they’re hydrating (especially when you find yourself on say, an outdoor patio on a hot summer afternoon). They’re also loaded antioxidants and vitamins, which can lower the risk of chronic disease, as well as fiber, which aids digestion and weight loss. Basically the more cucumber cocktails you drink, the more weight you’ll lose.

Juuuust kidding. But really, if you’re going to drink, you may as well stir in some nutrients right?

Here are a few healthier cucumber cocktail recipes we’ll be mixing up all summer long: