I am a 66 year old male, and this has been a summer staple in my mother's, mine, and now my 3 daughter's households in south central Texas. Only we did not use the sweetener.
But wait-Try it with rice vinegar, or seasoned rice vinegar.
It is sweeter, and less harsh. Still goes like a champ with chicken fried steak and mashed potatoes, and home grown tomatoes, either together with the onions and cukes., or on the side.