The keto cucumber mule is the official cocktail of summer

The temperature’s rising — so it’s about time for a cool (ahem, very chilled) drink. Instead of picking up a sugary, premade cocktail mix, we’ve concocted a refreshingly light summer cocktail ourselves. We’re calling it a keto cucumber mule cooler… because it is. 

Deciding on a favorite element of this drink is tough. It has no added sugar (yay!). It uses fresh ingredients you can pick up at the supermarket (double yay!). It’s not too boozy, which means you can have more than one without suffering from a hangover (lightweights, we see you). And it’s keto (HEEEEEY!).

Fresh ingredients are crucial to crafting excellent coolers. They’re typically light in body and low in alcohol, so they’re great options for large groups or for imbibers who don’t always want full-spirit drinks. The bubbles (alcoholic or non) make them easy to drink in the heat.

MORE: Boilermakers (aka, beer cocktails) that you need to try

The recipe below calls for fresh cucumber, ginger root, and mint. If you’re a fan of other summer fruits and want something a bit juicier or sweeter, try using fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries or pineapple along with mint and a bit of fresh citrus.

Here’s what you’ll need to make this keto cucumber mule.

• 3 slices fresh cucumber
• 3–4 thin slices fresh ginger, peeled
• 4 fresh mint leaves, washed
• 1 bottle of prosecco or Cava, chilled
• Ice
• Large mint sprig for garnish

The trick is in the muddling of your herbs and fruits. If you press too hard, you’ll pulverize them into mush, and the seeds end up everywhere (i.e., in your teeth). If you don’t press hard enough, the flavorful oils and juices won’t be released. Press your muddler firmly but gently for about 15 seconds, and mix some chunks of fruit in with your smashed ingredients. Don’t have a standard bar muddler? Pick one up online, or use the heel of a wooden spoon.

MORE: The best ginger cocktail recipe is here (Hint: It’s a margarita with a twist)