Cucumber Watermelon Cooler—The Perfect Summer Drink!

When summer gets closer and the hot weather is headed our way, it’s no wonder we seek out chilled beverages to imbibe. There’s no question that our Watermelon Cucumber Cooler is the best way to quench your thirst. With its fresh flavor and simple preparation, you’ll find yourself making this recipe for everyone who asks.

As you sip your sweet, cool concoction, you’ll find yourself comforted by its light, refreshing taste. Who doesn’t love cucumber melon? You may even discover that your sensations are soothed and your palate is no longer parched. Although there might be other ideas for indulgent, icy drinks, our intuition tells us that you will find this one irresistible!

Water for the Win

Why do we desire more drinks in the warmer months? It’s mostly because we lose a lot of moisture through our pores and get dehydrated more quickly. One way that we can counteract dehydration is to drink (and eat) more foods with a higher water content.

Both watermelon and cucumber are two fruits with the highest percentage of water and it’s what makes this drink so refreshing. They’re also both low in calories. You’re able to replenish not only the liquid that you’ve lost, but also add some extra vital vitamins and minerals as well. 

• Watermelon – high in vitamin C, potassium, copper, vitamins A and B5, and citrulline (an essential amino acid) and lycopene (a powerful antixiodidant)
• Cucumber – full of fiber, vitamin K, potassium, manganese, vitamin C, and magnesium
• Lemon – packed with vitamin C, potassium, vitamin B6 and pectin fiber (in the pulp)

How to Serve Up Your Watermelon Cucumber Cooler

Although there’s not much to do once your beverage is blended, there are a few simple ways to serve it up in a special way. Use your imagination!

• Garnishes Galore – There’s no end of options for extras to add to your beautiful beverage. Watermelon wedges, cucumber circles, and, especially, edible flowers can make a mouthful more magical.
• Sensational Straws – Another way to make your cooler a little special is to add a fancy straw to your glass. Stainless steel, bamboo, or even glass would be good. Though, colorful paper straws are the most fun. Feel free to experiment with one or two different types when serving.
• Glamorous Glassware – Go for the gold when you’re featuring this fruit cooler. Use your most attractive, unique, and out-of-the-ordinary glasses to add extra prettiness to the presentation.
• Be Kind to the Rind – If you’re able to cut your watermelon in half neatly and scoop out the fruit with flair, save the rinds for serving. Smooth out the interior edges with a larger spoon or knife and, when ready to serve, pour the cooler right into the rind. A festive umbrella would also be a fun addition.
• Substitute New Fruit – Additional fruits with a high water content include: honeydew, cantaloupe, strawberries, grapefruit, peaches. For veggies, try leaves of lettuce! Try mixing one or two of these together for additional flavor combinations, such as watermelon/strawberry, honeydew/cucumber, peach/romaine, or cantaloupe/grapefruit.

Storing Your Leftover Beverage

If you’re lucky enough to have any liquid left (and I highly doubt you will!), it’s best poured into a covered glass bottle or mason jar and refrigerated. It will be okay for about a day, but any longer than that and it will soon start to sour. Fresh is always best.

You can always collect any leftover cooler in ice cube trays and keep in the freezer. They make a wonderful addition to clear beverages in the summertime, such as seltzer, tonic water, and club soda. The watermelon cucumber cooler cubes can be counted on for about three months stored this way. Super pretty and delicious, too!

Equipment You’ll Need

• Blender
• Vegetable Peeler
• Citrus Squeezer
• Small Knife

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More Delicious Drinks to Try

• Fresh Peach Juice
• Pineapple Banana Smoothie
• Homemade Strawberry Juice
• Tropical Mango Smoothie
• Strawberry Mint Lemonade
• Homemade Almond Milk

Watermelon Cucumber Cooler recipe and photos by Michelle Cehn and Toni Okamoto. Article written by Gina House and edited by Amanda Meth. Please note that this article may contain affiliate links which supports our work at World of Vegan.