Description

This ultra-refreshing mocktail balances cool cucumber with a zesty kick of ginger and aromatic basil. It delivers all the sophistication of a craft cocktail without the added sugar, making it a perfect, light sipping option for warm afternoons or evening relaxation.

Ingredients

Scale

½ cup English cucumber, roughly chopped (skin on for color) (approx. 75g)
¼ cup fresh lemon juice (from about 1-2 lemons) (60ml)
4-5 fresh basil leaves (plus extra sprigs for garnish)
1 thin slice fresh ginger root (approx. 2-3g) or ¼ tsp grated ginger
Liquid sweetener to taste (e.g., 1-2 tsp keto simple syrup or 5-10 drops liquid monk fruit/stevia)
1 pinch Kosher salt (optional, enhances flavor)
1 cup ice cubes
1 cup plain sparkling water or club soda, chilled (240ml)
Optional garnish: Cucumber ribbons or lemon wheels

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Instructions

Blend the base: In a high-speed blender, combine the chopped cucumber, fresh lemon juice, basil leaves, ginger slice (or grated ginger), liquid sweetener, and the pinch of salt. Blend on high for 30–45 seconds until the mixture is completely liquefied and vibrant green.
Strain and Adjust: Place a fine-mesh strainer over a small measuring cup or bowl. Pour the blended mixture through the strainer. Using the back of a spoon, press firmly on the green pulp to extract as much liquid as possible, then discard the solids. Taste test: The concentrate should be strong and tart. Add more sweetener now if needed to balance the ginger heat before diluting.
Assemble the drinks: Fill two rocks glasses or tumblers to the top with ice cubes. Pour the strained cucumber concentrate evenly between the two glasses (filling them about halfway).
Top and serve: Gently top each glass with the chilled sparkling water until full. Stir once gently with a spoon to combine without losing carbonation. Garnish with extra basil or cucumber slices immediately.

Notes

Allergy Alert: This recipe is naturally free of common allergens (gluten, dairy, nuts, soy).
Why it works:
- Salt: A tiny pinch of salt acts as a flavor potentiator, making the cucumber taste “fresher” and reducing the bitterness of the lemon without adding carbs.
- No Added Water: We removed the plain water from the blending step to ensure the flavor concentrate is potent, preventing the melting ice from diluting the drink too quickly.
- English Cucumber: Using this variety eliminates the need for peeling and reduces the bitterness often found in thick-skinned garden cucumbers.
Key Success Warnings:
- Serve Immediately: Because fresh cucumber juice oxidizes and separates quickly, serve this drink within 10 minutes of preparation for the best color and flavor.
- Ginger Intensity: Ginger varies in heat. Start with the recommended slice or grated amount; you can always blend in more, but you cannot take the heat out once blended.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 Drink

Calories: 15
Net Carbs: 3g
Fat: 0g (Sat: 0g)
Protein: <1g
Total Carbs: 3g (Fiber: <1g, Sugar: 1g)
Sodium: 45mg

Nutrition information is calculated using third-party databases and is provided as a courtesy. Since values vary by brand and produce, we suggest calculating them yourself for the most accurate results.