Cucumber Gin Gimlet
When the weather warms up, I want a cocktail that is strong, light and refreshing. With this in mind, this cucumber gin gimlet has become one of my favorites, right alongside my springtime limoncello cocktail and my watermelon basil spritzer.
I will be honest: I am not usually a gin drinker. If you are like me, you can substitute vodka. On the other hand, if you love gin, you are going to love how the cucumber and rosemary play with it. In particular, it belongs on a martini board next to a peach fuzz martini.
When I am entertaining, I use a vegetable peeler to make long cucumber ribbons for the glass. As a result, a very simple drink gets a real wow factor. Whatās more, it works for a dinner party or the end of a long day, served with a spring charcuterie board or easy crab toast with lemon mayo.
What Is a Cucumber Gin Gimlet?
In essence, a gimlet is gin, lime and something sweet. This version adds muddled cucumber and fresh rosemary, then gets strained over ice into a glass lined with a ribbon of cucumber.
Ingredients (With Purpose & Flavor Notes)
- Gin (2 ounces). The base spirit. I used Sipsmith; vodka works if gin is not for you.
- Cucumber (4 slices, cut 1/4-inch thick). Muddled for a cool, fresh flavor.
- Fresh rosemary (1 tablespoon). An herbal note that makes the drink feel special.
- Lime (1/2, juice only). The tart backbone of any gimlet.
- Simple syrup (1 ounce). Balances the lime.
- Garnish. A sprig of rosemary, a strip of cucumber and a slice of lime.
Everything I Love for This Recipe
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Cocktail Shaker
Where the muddling and mixing happen.
Muddler
Presses the flavor out of the cucumber and rosemary.
Vegetable Peeler
Makes the long cucumber ribbons.
Hawthorne Strainer
Keeps the muddled pieces out of the glass.
Jigger
For an accurate 2-ounce pour.
Bar Spoon
For a gentle 30-second stir.
Rocks Glasses
A short tumbler shows off the ribbon.
Citrus Juicer
Gets every drop from half a lime.
Large Ice Cube Tray
Slow-melting ice keeps the drink crisp.
Simple Syrup Bottle
Keeps homemade syrup ready in the refrigerator.
Small Cutting Board
For slicing cucumber and lime at the bar.
Cocktail Napkins
A finishing touch for guests.
How To Make a Cucumber Gin Gimlet
Step 1: Muddle
Add the cucumber slices, fresh rosemary, lime juice and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker. Muddle well.
Step 2: Add Ice and Gin
Add ice and the gin. Stir gently for 30 seconds.
Step 3: Line the Glass
Use a vegetable peeler to make a long strip of cucumber. Wrap it around the inside of a tumbler, then fill with ice.
Step 4: Strain and Garnish
Strain the ice-cold gimlet into the tumbler. Garnish with rosemary and a slice of lime.
Cucumber Gin Gimlet
Ingredients
- 2 ounces gin I used Sipsmith
- 4 slices cucumber cut 1/4-inch thick
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
- 1/2 lime juice only
- 1 ounce simple syrup
Garnish
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- 1 strip cucumber
- 1 slice lime
Instructions
- Add the cucumber slices, fresh rosemary, lime juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker. Muddle well.
- Add ice and the gin. Stir gently for 30 seconds.
- Use a vegetable peeler to make long strips of cucumber. Wrap the strips around the inside of a tumbler, then fill with ice.
- Strain the ice-cold gimlet into the tumbler. Garnish with rosemary and lime.
KEEP HOSTING
More to pour from the bar ā three cocktails worth shaking up next.
The Perfect Raspberry Lemonade
Cool, tart and endlessly refreshing for warm afternoons.
Pour a Glass ā
Delicious Lemonade Prosecco Punch
A big-batch punch that keeps the whole table refreshed and happy.
Pour a Glass ā
Lemon Basil Champagne Spitzer
Sparkling and celebratory ā the easy pour for gatherings.
Pour a Glass āVariations
Swap the Spirit
Use vodka in place of the gin.
Skip the Alcohol
For a zero-proof option, try my tropical mocktail or the strawberry lemonade fruit pop mocktail.
Change the Herb
Basil or mint can stand in for the rosemary.
Make It Sparkling
For something bubbly, see my lemonade prosecco punch.
When I Love Serving a Cucumber Gin Gimlet
Spring Dinner Parties
It is light enough to open the evening.
An At-Home Happy Hour
Four steps and you are done.
Bridal and Baby Showers
Furthermore, the cucumber ribbon looks beautiful on a table. Here is how I host a baby shower.
A Garden Party
Equally important, the flavors are fresh and green.
Girlsā Night In
Set up the garnishes and let everyone build their own.
A Mediterranean Menu
It pairs well with the dishes from my Greek-inspired dinner party.
What To Serve With a Cucumber Gin Gimlet
Something From the Sea
A smoked salmon charcuterie board or a spring tinned fish board.
A Fresh Salad
My cucumber tomato avocado salad.
An Easy Appetizer
Blackberry goat cheese mint crostini, whipped ricotta with roasted grapes and hot honey, or prosciutto and fig crackers.
A Cheese Course
A cheese platter keeps guests happy between rounds.
Shelf Life & Storage Tips
- Serve right away. A gimlet is best ice-cold and freshly strained.
- Prep ahead. Slice the cucumber, juice the lime and cut the ribbons shortly before guests arrive, and keep them chilled.
- Simple syrup. Keep it covered in the refrigerator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use vodka instead of gin?
Yes. I am not a big gin drinker myself, and vodka works well.
How do I make the cucumber ribbon?
Run a vegetable peeler down the length of the cucumber to make a long, thin strip, then wrap it around the inside of the glass.
Is this cocktail shaken or stirred?
Stirred. After muddling, add ice and gin and stir gently for 30 seconds.
What gin did you use?
I used Sipsmith.
How many does this make?
One cocktail.
Final Thoughts
All things considered, this is the cocktail I make when I want something that looks impressive without much effort. Without a doubt, the cucumber ribbon does most of the work. As always, please drink responsibly.
