Cucumber Apple Cider Vinegar Mocktail

This Cucumber Apple Cider Vinegar Mocktail is a delicious and refreshing summer beverage! Made with fresh cucumber juice, lime juice and apple cider vinegar, it’s low in sugar, beneficial for digestion and can help stabilize blood sugar.

I’ve never been much of a fan of sweet cocktails and the same thing goes when I’m looking for a non-alcoholic alternative. I want something delicious and refreshing, but isn’t just juice with a few extras added in. I also want something that’s easy to make! So, I started playing around with mocktails and found one that I love during the summer – a cucumber apple cider vinegar blend.

I get that apple cider vinegar might seem like a strange ingredient to add to a mocktail, but it’s actually the perfect addition! It adds some complexity and depth to the drink and just really works with the other flavours.

This Cucumber Apple Cider Vinegar Mocktail uses simple ingredients, is refreshing and hydrating, and has a tangy twist. There’s no added sugar, but you could definitely throw in a little maple syrup if you want to add some sweetness.

What is apple cider vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar is a vinegar made from apple cider that has gone through a double fermentation process. This process produces acetic acid and it what gives the vinegar its sour taste, as well as its health benefits.

To maximize these health benefits, the apple cider vinegar should be raw and unfiltered. This means it hasn’t been heated or processed, which ensures the “mother,” a colony of good bacteria, is still intact.

Ingredients

Cucumber: I used an English cucumber for this recipe, but any kind will work.

Lime: fresh lime juice adds a zesty and refreshing flavour. You can also use some zest for rimming your glass, which is what I did!

Apple cider vinegar: look for an apple cider vinegar that says raw, unpasteurized or “with the mother.” If you are new to apple cider vinegar, feel free to start with 1/2 tbsp per serving/glass and work your way up to 1 tbsp.

Sea salt: to enhance the other flavours and is a beneficial addition if you’ve been sweating or have lost electrolytes. Flaked sea salt can also be used to rim your glass if desired!

Filtered water: this is to help the cucumber blend up.
Sparkling water: for a little bit of fizz! I typically use S.Pellegrino Sparkling Natural Mineral Water.

Garnishes: to make your drink feel a little fancier, you can add cucumber slices or fresh mint as a finishing touch.

What makes this mocktail healthy?

The main health benefits of this drink come from the apple cider vinegar. The fermentation process forms probiotics and enzymes that can support health and is what gives apple cider vinegar its murky appearance. One of the most well-studied benefits is its ability to help maintain normal blood sugar. It can also improve digestion and bloating, and contains natural probiotics which can support your immune system and gut health.

The cucumber in this mocktail is also a healthy addition! Cucumbers are one of the vegetables with the highest water content and are one of the most hydrating foods you can eat. They’re also full of antioxidants and are a natural diuretic food, so can help reduce bloating and water retention.

TIP: Because of apple cider vinegar’s ability to support digestion and reduce glucose spikes, it can be beneficial to consume this mocktail before a meal, especially one that is sweet or high-carb. The best time to drink it is less than 20 minutes before eating.

If you make this Cucumber Apple Cider Vinegar Mocktail, I’d love to hear from you! Feel free to leave a comment or review below, or tag me on Instagram.