My “5 Surprising Cucumber Dishes from Around the World” episode was definitely in need of a cucumber summer drink, so I was thrilled to receive this Indonesian recipe for timun serut! If you love mojitos or any perfectly refreshing and sweet mocktails, I promise that this will be your new favorite summertime indulgence. You can even make it a cocktail by adding a little gin, which I admit I experimented with and nearly gulped down.

This timun serut recipe comes from Denyut, who hails from Indonesia. He shared this recipe with us because he enjoys its refreshing, sweet flavors—plus, cucumber is his favorite vegetable! He was introduced to timun serut through his cousin’s grandfather, who comes from the region in which this drink originated. Nowadays, this drink is common throughout Indonesia, and it can be found in restaurants or street vendors. However, Denyut tells us that this drink holds specific memories for him; it reminds him of his late aunt, for whom he would often make this drink while visiting his grandma’s house.

I am always so happy to receive submissions that are tied to specific people or families. My timun serut was positively delightful; the grated cucumber and lime juice-simple syrup-soda water combination have my heart. The drink itself looked like a cup of sunshine in my glass! I had to stop myself from chugging this, as it brings out the best elements of cucumbers mixed with the flavor pops of citrus and sugar. 

Cucumber is the star of timun serut, but I’m sure you could make this drink with other fruits if desired. However, I cannot emphasize enough how perfect this dish is. The cucumber has a watery, crunchy brightness to it that is oh-so-good, and it can be made both as a mocktail for the little ones at a gathering and as a cocktail for the grown-ups! I hope you try timun serut and let me know how fast you chugged yours. (Pro tip: Use a straw to slow you down!)