The Recipe Card

Cucumber Mint Cooler

Cold, green, and quieter than it looks.

• cucumber slices4
• fresh mint leaves8
• simple syrup0.5
• fresh lime juice0.75
• sparkling water4
• ice

1. 1.Ribbon the Glass. Run a vegetable peeler down the length of the cucumber to cut one long ribbon, press it against the inside of a tall glass, then pack in crushed ice to hold it in place.
2. 2.The Gentle Muddle. Cucumber slices, mint leaves, and syrup in the shaker — then press straight down with the muddler, twist a quarter turn, and stop. Three presses, no more: you're coaxing oils out, not making pesto.
3. 3.Swirl and Strain. Add lime juice and a splash of sparkling water to the tin, swirl once to lift the oils off the bottom, then strain into the glass — the crushed leaves stay behind.
4. 4.Top with the Bouquet. More sparkling water, poured gently, and a full bouquet of mint clapped once between your palms.

Coolers · Collins · A cucumber ribbon and a full bouquet of mint