A wonderfully refreshing drink that balances cool cucumber with sweet melon—a perfect refresher for warm days.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I fell in love with this recipe because it’s light, hydrating, and so easy to make. The crispness of cucumber paired with juicy melon creates a flavor combo that’s bright and balanced. I love serving it over ice with fresh cucumber and melon garnish—it always feels like a spa sip in a glass.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Cucumber, peeled, seeded and sliced or cubed
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Cantaloupe or honeydew melon, cubed
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Sparkling water or soda water
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Fresh mint leaves (optional garnish)
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Lime juice or lemonade
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Gin or vodka (optional for a cocktail version)
Directions
I make this by combining the chopped melon and cucumber—sometimes with a little lime or lemonade or simple syrup—then blending or muddling to release flavor. If I’m making a mocktail, I blend fruit with water, strain if needed, and serve over ice, topping off with sparkling water. For a cocktail version I muddle cucumber and melon, add gin or vodka, shake with ice, strain, and top with sparkling water and mint. I garnish with cucumber ribbons, melon balls, and mint for a pretty finish.
Servings and timing
This recipe typically serves 2–4 people for the mocktail version and 1 person for the cocktail version. Prep time is about 10 minutes for the mocktail and about 5 minutes for the cocktail.
variations
I often experiment by:
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Swapping cantaloupe for honeydew or watermelon
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Using agave syrup or simple syrup instead of sugar
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Switching gin for vodka for a different flavor
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Adding citrus notes with lime juice or lemon
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Making a skinny mocktail version with just fruit, water, and ice
storage/reheating
This drink is best served fresh and chilled—no reheating needed. I recommend storing any leftovers in the refrigerator in a covered pitcher for up to 24 hours. Stir again before serving and add fresh ice. If blended fruit separates while chilled, a quick stir brings it back together.
FAQs
What’s the difference between an agua fresca and a cocktail version?
I see agua fresca as a non‑alcoholic fruit‑and‑water blend, often unsweetened or lightly sweetened, served cold. The cocktail version includes alcohol, sometimes agave, and sparkling water or lemonade for fizz.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes—I can blend or muddle the ingredients, refrigerate for up to a few hours in a pitcher. I wait to add sparkling water and ice until serving to keep it bubbly.
How do I adjust sweetness?
I taste the blend after mixing fruit. If it’s not sweet enough, I stir in a bit of simple syrup or agave. Alternatively, I add a splash of lemonade or lime juice for tangy balance.
What garnishes work best?
I like cucumber ribbons, melon balls or wedges, and a sprig of mint or basil. Edible flowers can make it feel extra fancy.
Is this drink healthy?
Yes—it’s mostly fruit and water, especially in the agua fresca version. Cucumber adds hydration and nutrients like vitamin K, and melon provides vitamin C and sweetness without added sugar.
Conclusion
I absolutely love how the Cucumber Melon Splash refreshes and delights—whether served as a light agua fresca or elevated with gin for cocktails. It’s quick to prep, versatile for variations, and beautiful in the glass. I hope you enjoy mixing and sipping this as much as I do—it always feels like a spa moment in a glass.
Print
Cucumber Melon Splash
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2–4 servings (mocktail), 1 serving (cocktail)
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A refreshing blend of cool cucumber and sweet melon, served as a hydrating mocktail or bright, summery cocktail. Perfect for warm days or a spa-like treat at home.
Ingredients
1 cup cucumber, peeled, seeded, and sliced or cubed
1 cup cantaloupe or honeydew melon, cubed
1–2 cups sparkling water or soda water
1–2 tbsp lime juice or lemonade
Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
1–2 tbsp simple syrup or agave syrup (optional, to taste)
2 oz gin or vodka (optional, for cocktail version)
Instructions
- Combine cucumber and melon in a blender with lime juice or lemonade, and simple syrup or agave if desired. Blend until smooth.
- For a smoother drink, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve.
- For a mocktail: Pour the blended mixture into glasses over ice, then top with sparkling water. Stir gently.
- For a cocktail: Muddle cucumber and melon in a shaker, add gin or vodka, lime juice, and syrup if desired. Shake with ice, strain into a glass, and top with sparkling water.
- Garnish with cucumber ribbons, melon balls, and fresh mint leaves before serving.
Notes
- Swap cantaloupe for honeydew or watermelon for a different flavor profile.
- Adjust sweetness with more or less syrup, or add extra citrus for a tangy twist.
- For a low-calorie version, blend just fruit, water, and ice.
- Best served fresh; if making ahead, add sparkling water just before serving.
- Edible flowers make a beautiful garnish for special occasions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg