Go Back

Cucumber Gimlet

A refreshing cocktail that transforms a classic gimlet with the cool, crisp snap of fresh cucumber. This drink balances gin and lime perfectly against cucumber juice for a bright, light, and sophisticated beverage that's ready in just five minutes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1 drink
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: Modern American
Calories: 165
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2 ounces gin London Dry style preferred
  • 0.75 ounces fresh lime juice about half a lime
  • 0.5 ounces simple syrup
  • 1 ounce fresh cucumber juice
  • Ice cubes
  • Cucumber ribbon or wheel for garnish
  • Pinch of sea salt optional

Equipment

  • Jigger or measuring cup
  • Cocktail shaker or mason jar with lid
  • Juicer, blender, or microplane grater
  • Fine mesh strainer
  • Bar spoon or long spoon
  • Coupe glass or martini glass
  • Vegetable peeler or knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Slice one medium cucumber into chunks and run it through a juicer, or blend it and strain through fine mesh to extract the juice. Make this right before mixing your drink to keep the bright, fresh flavor intact.
  2. Cut a fresh lime in half and juice it by hand using a citrus juicer or by squeezing into a fine mesh strainer to catch the seeds.
  3. Add a generous handful of ice cubes to your cocktail shaker or mason jar, filling it roughly halfway.
  4. Using a jigger, measure exactly 2 ounces of gin into your shaker.
  5. Pour 0.75 ounces of freshly squeezed lime juice into the shaker with the gin.
  6. Measure 0.5 ounces of simple syrup and add it to the shaker.
  7. Pour 1 ounce of freshly made cucumber juice into the shaker with the other ingredients.
  8. Cap your shaker and shake vigorously for about 10 seconds, until the outside of the shaker feels frosty and cold.
  9. Pour the drink through a fine mesh strainer into a chilled coupe glass or martini glass, leaving the ice behind in the shaker.
  10. Use a vegetable peeler to create a thin cucumber ribbon, twist it gently over the drink to express the oils, and drop it into the glass. Serve immediately.

Notes

Chill your glass in the freezer for 5 minutes before serving, and make your cucumber juice no more than 10 minutes before mixing your drink to preserve maximum freshness and flavor. Use English cucumbers when possible for cleaner juice with less bitterness. Fresh lime juice is non-negotiable for the best flavor.