A Cucumber Gimlet is a crisp, revitalizing twist on the classic gimlet. With gin, tangy lime juice, cooling cucumber juice, and a touch of sweetness, this cocktail offers a clean and refreshing flavor profile that’s perfect for warm days or elegant gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This drink combines the botanicals of gin with cool, mellow cucumber and bright lime, resulting in a balance that’s elegant and invigorating. It’s simple to prepare and impressively fresh—ideal for patio sipping, entertaining, or anytime you crave a crisp, sophisticated beverage.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
4 ounces gin
2 ounces freshly squeezed lime juice
1 1/4 ounces simple syrup
1 ounce cucumber juice (from about 1.5 inches of cucumber)
Ice
2 thin cucumber slices (about 2 inches long each), for garnish
Directions
- Prepare The Cucumber Juice
Chop a 1.5‑inch piece of cucumber into small pieces. Place the pieces in a fine mesh strainer set over a measuring glass. Press firmly with the back of a spoon until you collect 1 ounce of cucumber juice. - Assemble The Cocktail Ingredients
Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Add the gin, lime juice, simple syrup, and the freshly extracted cucumber juice. - Shake And Strain The Cocktail
Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to ensure the drink is well chilled and blended. Prepare your glass (double old‑fashioned or coupe) by adding fresh ice if desired. Then strain the cocktail from the shaker into the glass. - Garnish And Serve
Place two thin cucumber slices in each glass to enhance both appearance and aroma. Serve immediately. - Sip, Smile, And Enjoy
Raise your glass, take a refreshing sip, and appreciate the clean, crisp blend of flavors you’ve crafted.
Servings And Timing
Serves: 1
Prep Time: 5–7 minutes
Total Time: 5–7 minutes
Variations
- Use elderflower liqueur (like St‑Germain) in place of some simple syrup for a floral twist
- Swap gin for vodka for a smoother, more neutral base
- Add a few fresh mint leaves for an herbal note
- Use honey syrup or agave instead of simple syrup for a richer sweetness
- Make it sparkling: add a splash of club soda or tonic water after straining
Storage/Reheating
This cocktail is best enjoyed immediately. However, you can prepare the cucumber juice and simple syrup mix ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Shake with ice and garnish just before serving. Avoid storing the mixed drink with ice to prevent dilution.
FAQs
What Type Of Gin Works Best?
A light, floral gin or classic London Dry works well. Avoid overly juniper-heavy styles to keep the focus on cucumber freshness.
How Do I Make Simple Syrup?
Mix equal parts granulated sugar and water, heat until sugar dissolves, then cool. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Can I Skip The Cucumber Juice?
While you can, the drink won’t have the same fresh cucumber brightness. You can muddle cucumber instead, but the juice provides a cleaner texture.
How Should I Cut The Cucumber Garnish?
Slice two thin rounds or ribbons, about 2 inches long, to fit attractively in the glass without overpowering the drink.
Can I Make A Non‑Alcoholic Version?
Yes—omit gin and replace with sparkling water or cucumber-infused tonic. Adjust sweetness as needed.
Can I Make This In Advance For A Party?
You can premix the non‑alcoholic base (lime juice, simple syrup, cucumber juice) and chill it. Just shake with ice and add gin per serving.
Is There A Healthier Sweetener Option?
Try honey syrup (1:1 honey to warm water) or agave nectar. They dissolve easily and add subtle flavor.
What Ice Should I Use?
Large, clear ice cubes chill slowly and prevent quick dilution. Crushed ice can be used for a slushy texture but dilutes faster.
How Do I Reduce Bitterness?
Use ripe, mild cucumbers (English or Persian varieties) and fully strain seeds/pulp. You can also adjust lime and syrup ratios.
Can I Make This With Flavored Gin?
Yes—citrus- or botanical-infused gins can elevate the drink. Reduce additional flavors to keep balance.
Conclusion
The Cucumber Gimlet is a refreshing, refined cocktail that’s easy to prepare and beautifully balanced. With the crispness of cucumber, the zing of lime, and the complexity of gin, it’s a drink that feels both simple and sophisticated. Perfect for warm weather or as a polished signature cocktail—sip and savor the cool elegance.
Print
Cucumber Gimlet
- Total Time: 5–7 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A Cucumber Gimlet is a crisp and revitalizing twist on the classic gimlet, blending gin, lime juice, cucumber juice, and simple syrup into a refreshing cocktail ideal for warm weather and elegant settings.
Ingredients
4 ounces gin
2 ounces freshly squeezed lime juice
1 1/4 ounces simple syrup
1 ounce cucumber juice (from about 1.5 inches of cucumber)
Ice
2 thin cucumber slices (about 2 inches long each), for garnish
Instructions
- Chop a 1.5‑inch piece of cucumber into small pieces and press through a fine mesh strainer to collect 1 ounce of juice.
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice and add gin, lime juice, simple syrup, and cucumber juice.
- Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds, then strain into a prepared glass with fresh ice if desired.
- Garnish with two thin cucumber slices.
- Sip and enjoy your crisp, refreshing drink.
Notes
- Use elderflower liqueur for a floral twist.
- Swap gin for vodka for a more neutral taste.
- Add mint leaves for an herbal layer.
- Try honey syrup or agave instead of simple syrup.
- Add sparkling water or tonic for a fizzy version.
- Prep Time: 5–7 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: Modern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 3mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
