Cucumber-Apple Cooler

By David Tanis

Updated June 3, 2026

  • David Malosh for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Cyd Raftus McDowell.
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Ready In
15 min
Rating
4(26)
Comments
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Though this refreshing cucumber concoction may be served as a cold soup in a bowl, it’s best served in a chilled glass as a drink. It gains its zippy flavor from fresh grated ginger and a speck of cayenne. A splash of soda water makes a fine addition. Of course, for those so inclined, it could also benefit from a jigger of gin, for a brilliant green alcoholic cocktail.

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Ingredients

Yield:6 servings

  • 2 or 3 English cucumbers

  • 2 Granny Smith apples, skin-on, cut in large chunks

  • 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger

  • Sugar

  • 1 ½ cups ice water

  • 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice (from 2 limes)

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • Speck of cayenne

  • Ice cubes

  • Cucumber slice, lime wedge or red radish slice, for serving (optional)

  • Sparkling water, to taste, for serving (optional)

Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (6 servings)

17 grams carbs; 71 calories; 3 grams fiber; 676 milligrams sodium; 1 gram protein; 11 grams sugar

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Peel cucumbers lightly, keeping some of the green peel, then cut cucumbers into ½-inch chunks. You’ll need about 4 cups.

  2. Step 2

    Blend the cucumbers, apples, ginger and 1 teaspoon sugar in a blender with the ice water until smooth, working in batches, if necessary. To all, add lime juice, salt, pepper and cayenne, and blend again briefly.

  3. Step 3

    Taste and adjust seasoning. Pass through a fine-mesh strainer, discarding the pulp.

  4. Step 4

    Dip the rims of six glasses in salt and sugar, as you prefer, and add a few ice cubes to each. Pour mixture over ice and garnish with a cucumber slice, lime wedge or radish slice, if desired. Top up with sparkling water or serve as is.

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Ratings

4 out of 5
26 user ratings
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Comments

Julian

Made this tonight as written! For the rim coating I added tajin and lime powder for an extra kick.

Chickenfog

Did not have Granny Smith so used Cosmic Crisp. Too sweet so a bit extra lime. And vodka, voila!

Marmie

Thanks to this recipe I’ve discovered that a certain amount of cucumber is too much and gives me a stomachache. Good to know! Also, I found the flavours a little meh for the amount of prep and clean-up required (admittedly not tonnes), even after some fine-tuning. Won’t make again.

Carrie

I found this to be quite thick so my ratio of “juice” to seltzer is 1/3 and that makes a delicious cool summer drink. Will add gin another time perhaps

Diane

Disappointing. A lot of work and mess for a so so drink. Next time I muddled mint with lime. Added seltzer, simple syrup, sliced cuke, and wheels of lime. Easy peasy while prepping and grilling dinner.

Martha Brody

This is a great summer drink. I’m a little sad about the solids that get thrown out - might save them next time and use in gazpacho or something.

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