Gather all your ingredients. Make sure the cucumbers are fresh and firm. Rinse them under cold water for that extra crispness. Grab a cutting board and a knife to slice them into thin ribbons. If you have a vegetable peeler, it’s a great tool to create those beautiful, delicate cucumber strings.

Take six sprigs of fresh mint and the quartered lime. In a sturdy glass or cocktail shaker, add these ingredients. Using a muddler or the back of a spoon, gently press down. You want to release the mint's oils and the lime’s juice without smashing everything into bits.

Once you've muddled the mint and lime, pour in the 1 1/2 oz of London dry gin. If you’re looking for a touch of sweetness, this is where you sprinkle in 1 Tbsp of cane sugar. Stir the mixture gently. Don’t worry—sugar dissolves quickly!

Now, it’s time to add the cucumber. Toss those thin ribbons into the mix. Stir gently once more. This drink is all about keeping those refreshing flavors intact.

Pour 4 oz of sparkling tonic water over the muddled mixture. For the best fizz, slowly add the tonic to prevent too much foam.

If you choose to use orange bitters, add 2 dashes now. They’ll give your drink an extra layer of flavor. Take a sprig of rosemary and gently tap it in your palm to release its fragrant oils. Place it on top of your drink, alongside a slice of lime and maybe more cucumber if you’re feeling fancy. Voilà! Your cucumber cooler cocktail is ready to be enjoyed.