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Cool down with this refreshing watermelon cucumber gin cocktail made with fresh mint and an easy homemade simple syrup. It’s light, crisp, and perfect for summer happy hours or backyard hangs.

Watch how to make this watermelon cucumber gin cocktail…

Table of Contents

WHY YOU’LL LOVE MY WATERMELON CUCUMBER GIN COCKTAIL

It’s ultra-refreshing, takes just minutes to make, and feels like summer in a glass.

I whipped this up while we had food in the smoker one night, and now it’s a go-to for chill evenings on the patio.

Serve your drinks with this 5-minute Boursin cheese and Pringles flower appetizer.

INGREDIENTS

Ingredients

4 cups fresh watermelon, cubed
16 fresh mint leaves
8 cucumber slices (½-inch thick)
3 oz gin (or sub vodka—see notes)
Ice (about 1½ cups)

Simple syrup

½ cup sugar
½ cup water, boiled

For garnish

Extra cucumber slices
Mint sprigs

Pair your drinks with crowd-pleasing easy summer salads that everyone will love.

POPULAR SUBSTITUTIONS & ADDITIONS

Swap gin for vodka if you prefer a more neutral flavor.
Make it a mocktail by skipping the alcohol and adding sparkling water or tonic.
Use basil instead of mint for a fresh twist.
Add lime juice for a zesty citrus kick.
Top with club soda for a bubbly finish.
Try flavored gin like cucumber or botanical blends for extra dimension.

Also try this delicious watermelon appetizer salad.

HOW TO MAKE A WATERMELON CUCUMBER GIN COCKTAIL

**Step 1: Make the simple syrup.** In a small bowl, stir together ¼ cup sugar and ¼ cup just-boiled water until the sugar dissolves completely. Let it cool slightly while you prep the rest. You’ll use 1½ oz for this recipe and can refrigerate any leftovers for later.

**Step 2: Make the watermelon juice.** Add watermelon cubes to a blender and blend on high until smooth (about 30 seconds). Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl or measuring cup. Measure out 1 cup of juice for the cocktail.

**Step 3: Muddle the fresh ingredients.** In a cocktail shaker, add mint leaves, cucumber slices, and 1½ oz of your homemade simple syrup. Muddle well to release the flavors.

**Step 4: Shake it up.** Add the watermelon juice and gin to the shaker. Toss in a big handful of ice (about ¾–1 cup). Shake or stir well for 15–20 seconds. Alternatively, vigorously stir with a bar spoon until combined.

Step 5: Serve. Fill two glasses with fresh ice. Strain the cocktail evenly into each glass. Garnish with cucumber slices and mint sprigs.

De-licious!

For an easy no-bake appetizer, try this cherry tomato bruschetta.

TIPS FOR MAKING IT AHEAD

Prep the simple syrup a day ahead and store it in the fridge.
Make the watermelon juice a day in advance and keep it chilled in a sealed container.
Slice the cucumber and mint a few hours ahead and store them in a damp paper towel in the fridge to keep them fresh.
Assemble right before serving for the best flavor and consider adding fizz with soda or tonic.

You’ve never seen a hummus platter like this!

If you love easy summer drinks, don’t miss this frozen watermelon lemonade cocktail with tequila.

Can’t wait to hear what you think!

I’d love to know how your version turned out! Drop a rating and leave a comment below to help the Sip Bite Go community. And if you snapped any photos, tag me on Instagram—I love sharing reader pics in my Stories!

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