Refreshing Cucumber Gimlet Recipe: Easy Gin Cocktail

There’s nothing quite like the refreshing crispness of a Cucumber Gimlet Recipe to cool you down on a warm day or to add a sophisticated touch to your evening. The gimlet is a classic cocktail, traditionally made with gin and lime juice, but when you infuse it with fresh cucumber, it transforms into a drink that is light, herbaceous, and incredibly revitalizing. This cucumber twist on the traditional gimlet not only elevates the flavor profile but also adds a spa-like, calming quality that makes it irresistible.

Whether you’re lounging by the pool, hosting a summer brunch, or simply winding down after a long day, a Cucumber Gimlet offers an ideal balance of tartness, sweetness, and botanical complexity. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and doesn’t require any obscure ingredients or complicated techniques. With only a few essential tools and fresh ingredients, you can create a bar-quality cocktail right at home.

This article will walk you through the complete process—from the basic ingredients to pro tips for achieving the perfect cucumber infusion. We’ll also touch on nutritional information, preparation details, and how you can customize the drink to suit your tastes. Ready to dive into a world of fresh flavors? Let’s get started!

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Ingredients

• 2 oz gin (preferably a botanical-forward gin)

• 1 oz fresh lime juice (about 1 medium lime)

• ¾ oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)

• 4–5 slices fresh cucumber, plus extra for garnish

• Ice cubes

• Optional: mint leaves for garnish

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Equipment

• Cocktail shaker

• Muddler

• Fine mesh strainer

• Jigger (for measuring)

• Sharp knife and cutting board

• Chilled coupe or martini glass

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Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 180 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 10g

• Protein: 0g

• Fat: 0g

• Sodium: 5mg

• Sugar: 8g

• Alcohol: Approximately 22% ABV per serving

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Prep Time

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

Active Time

• Active Time: 5 minutes

Resting Time

• Resting Time: 0 minutes

Total Time

• Total Time: 10 minutes

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Cuisines

• American

• British (Classic gin cocktails have strong British origins)

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Course

• Drinks

• Cocktails

• Beverages

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Servings

• 1 cocktail

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Instructions

1. Prepare Your Ingredients

Wash the cucumber thoroughly and slice it into thin rounds. Roll the lime on the countertop with your palm to loosen the juices inside, then cut it in half and juice it. Fresh juice makes a world of difference!

2. Muddle the Cucumber

Place 4–5 cucumber slices into your cocktail shaker. Using a muddler, gently press down and twist to release the cucumber’s juices and oils. Don’t pulverize them into a pulp; a gentle muddle will suffice.

3. Add Liquids

Pour 2 ounces of gin, 1 ounce of fresh lime juice, and ¾ ounce of simple syrup into the shaker with the muddled cucumber.

4. Shake it Up

Fill the shaker halfway with ice. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. You want the mixture to be icy cold and slightly diluted to soften the gin’s sharpness.

5. Strain

Use a fine mesh strainer to double strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or martini glass. Double straining ensures that no cucumber pulp or ice shards end up in your final cocktail.

6. Garnish and Serve

Garnish with an additional cucumber slice or a sprig of mint for extra flair. Serve immediately and enjoy!

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Tips for the Best Cucumber Gimlet

• Choose a Quality Gin: Since gin is the backbone of the cocktail, select one that features botanical notes that complement cucumber and lime. Hendrick’s Gin, with its built-in cucumber and rose notes, is a favorite.

• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet drink, reduce the simple syrup to ½ oz or even less. Conversely, add a little more if you like your cocktails on the sweeter side.

• Fresh Ingredients Are Key: Use freshly squeezed lime juice and a fresh cucumber for the best flavor. Bottled lime juice simply won’t do the drink justice.

• Experiment with Herbs: Try adding a few fresh mint leaves to the muddling step for a cucumber-mint gimlet, or even a sprig of basil for a different herbaceous note.

• Make it a Batch Cocktail: Planning a party? Multiply the ingredients by the number of guests and prepare a large batch in a pitcher. Just shake individual servings with ice when ready to serve.

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Variations

• Cucumber Vodka Gimlet: Swap the gin for vodka if you prefer a cleaner, more neutral spirit base.

• Spicy Cucumber Gimlet: Add a thin slice of jalapeño to the muddling step for a subtle spicy kick.

• Cucumber Elderflower Gimlet: Replace the simple syrup with elderflower liqueur (like St-Germain) for a floral twist.

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Why You’ll Love This Cocktail

• Light and Refreshing: Perfect for spring and summer sipping.

• Easy to Customize: Adjust sweetness, herbs, and spirit to your preference.

• Minimal Ingredients: No obscure syrups or complicated techniques required.

• Elegant Presentation: A cucumber slice garnish makes it look instantly sophisticated.

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The History Behind the Gimlet

The classic gimlet has naval origins, dating back to the British Royal Navy. Sailors used to drink lime juice to ward off scurvy, and adding it to gin made the remedy much more palatable. Over time, this practical solution evolved into a beloved cocktail. The cucumber version is a more modern take, capitalizing on contemporary tastes for fresher, lighter cocktails.

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Final Thoughts

The Cucumber Gimlet Recipe is a shining example of how a few simple ingredients can come together to create something truly magical. With its cool, crisp flavor and refreshing aroma, it’s a cocktail that feels sophisticated without being pretentious. Plus, it’s endlessly adaptable to suit your personal flavor preferences.

Whether you’re crafting a single serving for a quiet evening or mixing up a batch for your next gathering, the Cucumber Gimlet is sure to impress. Cheers to delicious simplicity!