Cucumber, mint, and Lime Fizz Cocktail bar

 

Cucumber Mint & Lime Fizz: Pitcher & Cocktail Bar

This recipe provides enough syrup and mocktail base for:

• 4 generous Mocktails

• 5 generous Cocktails (with instructions for individual additions)

Yields:

• Approximately 2.5 - 3 cups (20-24 oz) Cucumber Mint Syrup

• Approximately 6 cups (48 oz) Mocktail Base (for the pitcher)

Ingredients:

• For the Cucumber Mint Syrup (makes extra, which is good!):

  • 3 medium cucumbers, peeled and roughly chopped

  • 1.5 cups fresh mint leaves, packed

  • 1.5 cups water

  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar

• For the Mocktail Base Pitcher:

  • 3 cups fresh lime juice (from about 15-20 limes, depending on juiciness)

  • 3 - 4 cups Cucumber Mint Syrup (start with 3 cups and add more to taste)

  • To finish Mocktails: Chilled sparkling water or club soda

• For the Cocktails (to be added individually):

  • Arak, Gin, or Vodka

• Garnish Station:

  • 1-2 extra cucumbers, thinly sliced into rounds or ribbons

  • 1-2 extra limes, thinly sliced into wheels

  • Fresh mint sprigs

Instructions:

1. Make the Cucumber Mint Syrup (ahead of time!):

1. In a large saucepan, combine the chopped cucumbers, mint leaves, water, and granulated sugar.

2. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved.

3. Remove from heat and let it steep for at least 30-45 minutes (or even longer, up to an hour, for a stronger flavor). You can even let it cool down slightly and steep for an hour or two.

4. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pitcher or jar. Press firmly on the solids with the back of a spoon to extract all the liquid. Discard the solids.

5. Let the syrup cool completely. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours (or overnight) to chill thoroughly. This can be made 1-2 days in advance.

2. Prepare the Mocktail Base Pitcher:

1. In a large pitcher (at least 64 oz / 2 quarts capacity), combine the 3 cups of fresh lime juice and 3 cups of the chilled Cucumber Mint Syrup.

2. Stir well to combine.

3. Taste the mixture. If you prefer it sweeter, add the remaining 1 cup of Cucumber Mint Syrup incrementally until it reaches your desired sweetness.

4. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate until ready to serve. This can be prepared a few hours in advance.

3. Set up Your Drink Station:

Create a self-serve station for easy assembly!

On your table, you'll need:

• Pitcher of Mocktail Base: Clearly labeled "Cucumber Mint & Lime Base - Add Soda or Spirit"

• Chilled Sparkling Water/Club Soda: Bottles or cans on ice.

• Ice Bucket: Full of ice.

• Glasses: Highball glasses or large rocks glasses.

• Spirit Bottles: Your chosen Arak, Gin, and/or Vodka.

• Jigger/Measuring Tool: For precise spirit measurements.

• Garnish Bowl: With cucumber slices/ribbons, lime wheels, and fresh mint sprigs.

• Stirring Spoons/Stir Sticks.

Serving Instructions for Guests:

For a Mocktail (approximately 12-16 oz total volume):

1. Fill a glass generously with ice.

2. Pour about 6 oz (about 3/4 cup) of the Mocktail Base over the ice.

3. Top with chilled sparkling water or club soda, leaving a little room for garnish.

4. Stir gently.

5. Garnish with a cucumber ribbon/slice, lime wheel, and a fresh mint sprig.

For a Cocktail (approximately 12-16 oz total volume):

1. Fill a glass generously with ice.

2. Pour about 6 oz (about 3/4 cup) of the Mocktail Base over the ice.

3. Add 2 oz (1 standard shot) of your chosen spirit (Arak, Gin, or Vodka).

4. Top with chilled sparkling water or club soda (optional, but recommended for some fizz and dilution).

5. Stir well to combine.

6. Garnish with a cucumber ribbon/slice, lime wheel, and a fresh mint sprig.

Tips for Success:

• Chill Everything: Make sure your syrup, lime juice, and sparkling water are all well-chilled before serving. This keeps the drinks colder longer without over-dilution.