Watermelon + Cucumber Cooler

This easy recipe for refined sugar-free Paleo Watermelon Cooler with cucumber is simply perfect for picnics, parties or your next backyard bbq! 

Stay cool as a cucumber with these Watermelon Cucumber Coolers: 

Ahhh, watermelon. I love me some watermelon. Like a lot. It’s hands down my favorite fruit now and forevermore. I probably shouldn’t admit this out loud, particularly on a public forum, but I’ve eaten an entire half of a watermelon by myself.

Two weeks ago. And not one of those new “mini” ones either. No, a giant, old fashioned one from Costco. I can’t say I recommend it to anyone as I was so uncomfortable and bloated after.

I quickly realized that wasn’t one of my finest moments. I will say however, I realized not too long after it may be the next trendy cleanse. You heard it here first folks!

Enough about me though, let’s get back to this recipe for Paleo Watermelon Cooler. Holy moly, is it the PERFECT drink for summer, it’s so refreshing and light.

I’m not a fan of overly sweet drinks, especially when I’m trying to cool down in the hot weather and this does the trick.

To up the “cool” factor of these watermelon coolers, I added some cucumbers and mint and it makes the perfect flavor combination.

All of the flavors are subtle enough to not overpower each other but come together for the perfect mix. I’m thinking if you added a little gin or vodka that would be alright too. 😉

a refreshing refined sugar-free watermelon cooler with cucumber slices and lime in a tall glass

My secret ingredient turns these watermelon cucumber coolers into a beauty weapon:

And finally, want to know what else I added? Collagen Peptides from Vital Proteins! I’m obsessed with their pasture-raised Collagen Peptides now and have been using them for about a month.

Already I can tell a difference in my skin as it appears much more supple, bright and clear. I’ve even had several people comment on it.

Beside the amazing effects that I’ve been noticing in my skin, I really love how easy it’s been to incorporate into my diet. It dissolves in hot or cold beverages, you can add it to your smoothie, coffee, chia pudding, whatever!

The versatility of it makes it incredibly to add in your everyday diet and I love that I don’t have to change or modify anything. I highly recommend you check out my Avocado Chocolate Mousse Parfait to learn more about additional benefits of Collagen Peptides, like bone and  gut health.

As you can imagine, Vital Protein’s Collagen Peptides dissolved seamlessly into this tasty summer drink that I’m sure you’ll make over and over again. The kids also loved it as well, it’s a great way to add extra nutrients into their diets without them even noticing!

Enjoy and lemme know below how you like it or if you have any collagen questions that I can answer!

Tips for making this watermelon cooler recipe: 

 

  • Feel free to pass the blended watermelon mix through the strainer or nut milk bag after step 2. Press on the fruit purée with the back of a spoon so all the juice is squeezed through. Discard the pulp.
  • Do not add the soda until the very last minute so that you can get that nice fizz.
  • Adding a pinch of salt brings out the watermelon flavor so feel free to add some to the blender. 
  • Turn this alcohol-free watermelon cooler into a cocktail by adding a splash of vodka or gin.
  • You can jazz these watermelon cucumber coolers up by garnishing them with a watermelon or lime slice! Or use lime juice to rim the glasses with salt – margarita style.

FAQ: 

What is the easiest way to de-seed a watermelon? 

Start by cutting your watermelon in half. Then cut the watermelon along the seed lines. Watermelons have all their seeds in a straight line and once you find where the veins lie, all you have to do is cut along the line of seeds and that makes the seeds easy to get out.

healthy watermelon cucumber cooler with collagen served in a tall glass

How to pick a ripe watermelon at the grocery store? 

 

  1. Pick it up and weigh it: A ripe watermelon should feel heavy for its size. Weigh similar sized ones and get the heaviest of them.
  2. Look for the yellow “field” spot: The field spot is a creamy yellow spot on the outside from where the watermelon was resting on the ground while ripening. When this splotch is creamy yellow, your melon is ripe.
  3. Knock, knock: Tap the underbelly of the watermelon. A ripe one will have a deep hollow sound while under-ripe or over-ripe melons will sound dull. Also, your knuckles should bounce off the melon when knocking, and the surface should be pretty hard/firm.
  4. Look for black spots: This is where sugar is seeping out and indicates you found a sweet melon.
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5 from 2 votes

Watermelon + Cucumber Cooler

Paleo Watermelon Cucumber Coolers from the Whole Smiths. Refined sugar-free and the perfect drink for your summer.
Prep Time5 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Course: Beverage / Drink
Cuisine: Paleo
Keyword: cucumber cooler recipe, healthy watermelon cooler, watermelon mocktail recipe
Servings: 4 -6
Author: the Whole Smiths

Ingredients

  • 1/2 watermelon cut into large pieces roughly 4.5 lbs
  • 1/4 C. honey
  • 1/4 cucumber peeled
  • 1/2 C. mint
  • 2 limes
  • 2 scoops of Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
  • Club soda

Instructions

  • Muddle mint and divide into glasses and top with crushed ice
  • Add watermelon, honey, Collagen Peptides and cucumber into a blender and blend in high until smooth
  • Pour watermelon mix into glass and fill 2/3 of the way
  • Squeeze juice from half of lime into each glass
  • Top with a bit of club soda, stir and enjoy!

Notes

  • Feel free to pass the blended watermelon mix through a strainer or nut milk bag after step 2. Press on the fruit purée with the back of a spoon to make sure all the juice is squeezed through. Discard the pulp.
  • Do not add the soda until the very last minute so that you can get that nice fizz.
  • Adding a pinch of salt brings out the watermelon flavor so feel free to add some to the blender. 
  • Turn this alcohol-free cooler into a cocktail by adding a splash of vodka or gin.
  • You can jazz these watermelon cucumber coolers up by garnishing them with a watermelon or lime slice! Or use lime juice to rim the glasses with salt - margarita style.
did you make this recipe?Tag @thewholesmiths on Instagram

the whole smiths

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8 Comments

  1. I love those glasses, where did you get them I have been looking for that kind of glass for a while and I can’t find them 🙁

  2. I don’t really see measurements either!! I have a collagen powder in a different brand and no scoop so I don’t know how much to add!
    Would also be easier to see how many cups of watermelon approx since I don’t have a scale.
    But looks and sounds amazing, I would love to try it!