Spicy Cucumber Limeade

The Spicy Cucumber Limeade is a delightful and sophisticated mocktail that awakens the senses. It masterfully combines the crisp, clean flavor of fresh cucumber with the zesty tartness of lime juice. A subtle yet invigorating heat from muddled jalapeño slices adds a surprising and pleasant kick. The entire concoction is balanced by a touch of sweetness and topped with sparkling water for a gentle, effervescent finish.
Spicy Cucumber Limeade

Preparation

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Spicy Cucumber Limeade is classified as a refreshing mocktail. It's a contemporary, non-alcoholic beverage designed to invigorate the palate, making it an ideal choice for warm weather or as a sophisticated alternative to alcoholic drinks.

Serving

Served cold over ice in a tall Highball or Collins glass, this 0% ABV mocktail is best enjoyed immediately after preparation. An optional chili-lime salt rim can enhance the flavors and presentation.
Serving size
Approximately 240 ml / 8 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball
Glass treatment
Optional chili-lime salt rim

Backstory

This mocktail is a modern creation, inspired by the popular flavors found in Mexican "aguas frescas" and spicy cocktails. It reflects a growing trend for complex, adult-oriented non-alcoholic beverages that don't compromise on flavor or presentation. Its existence is a testament to the creativity flourishing within the craft mocktail scene.
Origin
While its direct origin is not tied to a single creator, this drink's flavor profile is heavily inspired by Latin American beverages. It likely emerged from the craft mocktail movement in the United States during the 2010s, as bartenders and enthusiasts sought more exciting alcohol-free options.

Spicy Cucumber Limeade

This drink is straightforwardly named after its main flavor components. Alternative names like Jalapeño Cucumber Limeade or Cucumber Chili Limeade simply specify the source of the spice, offering a more descriptive title.
Original name
Spicy Cucumber Limeade
Alternative names
  • Jalapeño Cucumber Limeade
  • Cucumber Chili Limeade

Characteristics overview

This mocktail presents a refreshing flavor profile with a spicy kick, balanced by tangy lime and a hint of sweetness. Its pale green hue, crisp texture, and clean finish make it an ideal summer beverage.
Flavor
Refreshing, spicy, tangy, cool, slightly sweet, vegetal
Aroma
Fresh cucumber, zesty lime, green pepper
Taste balance
Sour, sweet, spicy
Aftertaste
Clean, crisp, lingering warmth
Fizziness
Lightly sparkling
Color appearance
Pale green, slightly cloudy
Texture
Light, crisp, watery
Seasonality
Highly refreshing, summery

Flavor intensity & Experience

The drink has a prominent sourness from lime and a noticeable spiciness from jalapeño, balanced by a light sweetness. It is completely alcohol-free with a gentle, refreshing carbonation.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This refreshing mocktail is built with fresh cucumber, jalapeño, and lime juice, balanced with a touch of simple syrup. The drink is topped with sparkling water for a light effervescence.
  • Cucumber4-5 thin slices
    Use fresh, crisp cucumber for the best flavor.
  • Jalapeño2-3 thin slices
    Remove seeds for a milder spice level. Adjust quantity to taste.
  • Fresh Lime Juice30 ml / 1 oz
    Freshly squeezed juice is highly recommended over bottled for a brighter taste.
  • Simple Syrup15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Adjust to your preferred sweetness. Can be substituted with agave nectar.
  • Sparkling Water120 ml / 4 oz, to top
    Club soda or tonic water can also be used.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a cocktail shaker and muddler to extract and combine the flavors. Double straining with a Hawthorne and fine mesh strainer ensures a smooth, professional result.
  • Cocktail shaker for chilling and mixing ingredients.
  • Muddler for pressing juices from cucumber and jalapeño.
  • Strainer (Hawthorne and Fine Mesh) for a smooth, pulp-free liquid.

Instructions

The method involves muddling cucumber and jalapeño, shaking the mixture with lime juice and syrup, then double straining over fresh ice. The drink is finished with a splash of sparkling water and a garnish.
1. Place the cucumber and jalapeño slices in the bottom of a cocktail shaker.
2. Gently muddle the slices to release their juices and aromatic oils. Do not over-muddle into a pulp.
3. Add the fresh lime juice and simple syrup to the shaker.
4. Fill the shaker three-quarters full with cubed ice.
5. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosty.
6. Fill a Highball glass with fresh cubed ice.
7. Double strain the mixture from the shaker into the prepared glass to remove any small bits of cucumber or jalapeño.
8. Top the drink with sparkling water.
9. Gently stir with a bar spoon to combine the ingredients.
10. Garnish with a cucumber ribbon and a lime wheel before serving.

Garnishing

A simple yet elegant garnish of a cucumber ribbon inside the glass and a fresh lime wheel on the rim completes the drink's presentation.
  • Cucumber Ribbon: A long, thin slice of cucumber placed inside the glass for visual appeal.
  • Lime Wheel: A thin wheel of lime placed on the rim of the glass.

Dietary Information

This beverage is entirely plant-based, making it suitable for both vegans and vegetarians. It is free from common allergens such as alcohol, caffeine, dairy, eggs, soy, nuts, and gluten.
✕ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is a light and low-calorie beverage, with its modest calorie and sugar content primarily derived from the simple syrup and natural lime juice.
Calories
Approximately 60-80 kcal / 251-335 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 15-20 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 12-16 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This versatile mocktail is perfect for sunny afternoons, barbecues, and summer parties. It also serves as an excellent brunch companion or a sophisticated choice for anyone seeking a flavorful non-alcoholic option anytime.
  • Summer Party
  • Barbecue
  • Brunch
  • Relaxing Afternoon
  • Detox Drink

Pairing suggestions

The drink's refreshing and spicy character pairs wonderfully with Mexican and Latin American cuisine like tacos and ceviche. It also beautifully complements grilled foods such as chicken and shrimp, as well as light summer salads and appetizers like guacamole.
  • Fish Tacos
  • Ceviche
  • Grilled Chicken or Shrimp
  • Light Summer Salads
  • Guacamole and Tortilla Chips

Spicy Cucumber Limeade: A Refreshing Kick of Cool Heat

The Spicy Cucumber Limeade is a perfectly balanced mocktail that offers a complex flavor experience without any alcohol. Its unique blend of cool cucumber, sharp lime, and a warm jalapeño kick makes it incredibly refreshing and satisfying. Easy to prepare and visually appealing with its pale green hue, it's an excellent choice for social gatherings, a sunny afternoon, or as a personal treat. This drink proves that non-alcoholic beverages can be just as exciting and sophisticated as their alcoholic counterparts.

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