Refreshing Basil Cucumber Mojito + More Summer Drinks

Basil cucumber mojito recipe, plus 6 other refreshing and delicious drink ideas just in time for May Long Weekend!

May Long Weekend is finally here! For me, it’s all about outdoor dining, evenings around the fire and catching up with friends. For my US friends, you’ll have to wait a bit longer for Memorial Day.

I LOVE warm, make that hot weather, and can’t wait for the days when a cool beverage is a must. Today, I’m sharing one of my favourite refreshing cocktails, a basil cucumber mojito.

Stick around and you’ll also find the links to a few of my Canadian blogger friends’ top summer drink recipes too!

Basil Cucumber Mojito

(printable version below)

Ingredients:

6-8 fresh basil leaves (plus more for garnish)
1 lime (half juiced and half cut into wedges)
English cucumber (1″ thick slice cut in half plus 3 thin slices)
1 TB. honey simple syrup (*see below)
1 shot white rum (or vodka)
Soda water

Directions:

In a sturdy glass or jar, add basil leaves, lime juice, lime wedges, thick slices of cucumber, honey simple syrup and rum. With a muddler or wooden spoon, work to combine flavours (until the basil leaves and cucumber start to break down).

Fill glass half way (or a bit more) with ice. Add the thin cucumber slices and top with soda water. Garnish with a basil leaf.

*For the honey simple syrup, combine equal parts honey and water (say 1/2 cup honey and 1/2 cup water) in a saucepan. Stir over medium heat until the honey dissolves. Remove from heat and let cool completely before using. Store in an airtight container or jar in the fridge. Works great for sweetening iced tea and other summer drinks too!

This drink is my summer-go-to without the alcohol. I like to try different variations, sometimes substituting the basil with mint and the cucumber with berries. Such a great alternative to soda and juice, which are so full of sugar.

Print

Refreshing Basil Cucumber Mojito

A refreshing and delicious take on the classic mojito with cucumbers and basil.

Course Drinks

Servings 1

Ingredients

• 6-8 fresh basil leaves plus more for garnish
• 1 lime half juiced and half cut into wedges
• English cucumber 1" thick slice cut in half plus 3 thin slices
• 1 TB. honey simple syrup *see below
• 1 shot white rum or vodka
• Soda water

Instructions

1. In a sturdy glass or jar, add basil leaves, lime juice, lime wedges, thick slices of cucumber, honey simple syrup and rum. With a muddler or wooden spoon, work to combine flavors (until the basil leaves and cucumber start to break down).
2. Fill glass half way (or a bit more) with ice. Add the thin cucumber slices and top with soda water. Garnish with a basil leaf.
3. *For the honey simple syrup, combine equal parts honey and water (say 1/2 cup honey and 1/2 cup water) in a saucepan. Stir over medium heat until the honey dissolves. Remove from heat and let cool completely before using. Store in an airtight container or jar in the fridge. Works great for sweetening iced tea and other summer drinks too!

Now for More Summer Drink Ideas!

Check out the amazing cocktails created by some of my favourite fellow bloggers!

From left to right, they are:

Sweet Tart Martini by Suburble
Pink Grapefruit and Apricot Martini by Craftberry Bush
Basil Cucumber Mojito by Satori Design For Living (that’s me!)
The Classic Caesar by Fynes Designs
Frozen Strawberry Cocktails by Clean and Scentsible
Basil Watermelon Lemonade by Echoes of Laughter
Easy and Delicious Flavoured Waters by A Pretty Life in the Suburbs

More Summer Cocktails to Try:

Rosemary Grapefruit Spritzer

Pimm’s Cocktail Jug

Lavender Blackberry Sparkling Lemonade

Happy Victoria Day!