Cucumber Gimlet Recipe
A refreshing twist on a classic, this cucumber gimlet recipe is easy to make and oh so satisfying. This gin-based cocktail is made with just a few simple ingredients and provides the perfect balance of crisp and sweet, without being overly sweet.
There are a few things that makes this cucumber gin gimlet incredibly refreshing. One is that there is lime juice in it. That is true for most cocktails that have citrus in it. The second thing is cucumbers. Cucumbers are notorious for being refreshing and light.
This gimlet is a perfect warmer weather cocktail. It’s so delicious but you may want to remind yourself to sip, it’s that good.
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Helpful tips
- I use European cucumbers in this cocktail. You could use a regular cucumber but I find they have very thick skins.
- Don’t peel the cucumber as it looks prettier with the green of the skin. You are going to cut the 2 inch lengthwise slices for the garnish.
- Wash the citrus before juicing. Here’s how: squirt some natural, unscented foaming soap into your hand. I get mine at Whole Foods. Rub the lime between your hands to cover it with soap. Use a vegetable brush to scrub the skin. Run the lime under cold water, making sure all the soap has been washed off.
- I wash my cucumber the same way. In fact, I wash a lot of veggies and fruit the same way.
- I find this fine mesh strainer essential to cocktail making. I usually hold it over the glassware while I pour the cocktail through it and into the glass. With this cocktail, I place the strainer over a large measuring glass because you’re going to squish the cucumber for the juice.
How to make a cucumber gimlet
Pre-step
Get a cocktail shaker and fill it with ice. Also get a measuring glass, fine mesh strainer, cocktail spoon, 2 cup measuring glass and glassware.
Cut cucumber in lengthwise strips, 2 for each cocktail so 4 strips in all.
After measuring out the ingredients, pour them into the shaker.
Step one
Gather the ingredients – gin, lime, cucumber and simple syrup.
Step two
Measure 4 ounces of gin. (A)
Step three
Measure 2 ounces of lime juice. (B)
Step four
Measure 1 1/4 ounces of simple syrup. (C)
Step five
Cut a 1.5 inch length of cucumber. Chop the cucumber and place it in a strainer. Place it over a 2 cup measuring glass. Take a spoon, with the back of it facing down and mash the cucumber through the strainer so the juice goes into the measuring glass. (D)
Toss the smushed cucumber in the trash after you get enough juice.
Step six
Measure out 1 ounce of cucumber juice.
Step seven
Cap the shaker and shake for 15 seconds.
Strain and divide the gimlet between the two glasses. For the purpose of this post, I used a classic martini glass and a double old fashioned glass as I love to showcase my cocktails in different glassware.
I add some ice into the double old fashioned glass.
Add the garnish to each glass.
Let’s see the vertical view.
And the overhead view.
Yum.
I hope you enjoyed this cucumber gimlet recipe. It’s delicious and worth the time it takes to make it.
Other cucumber recipes
And as always, may all your dishes/drinks be delicious.
If you’ve tried this recipe, I’d love to know what you thought about it in the comments below. I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more of my delicious food and delightful cocktails!
Cucumber Gimlet Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 ounces gin
- 2 ounces lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 1/4 ounces simple syrup
- 1 ounce cucumber juice (from 1.5 inches of cucumber)
Garnish
- 4, 2 thin lengthwise slices of cucumber, 2 inches long
Instructions
- Start with the cucumber juice. Cut a 1.5 inch piece of cucumber and dice it.
- Place the fine mesh strainer in a 2 cup measuring glass and add the diced cucumber.
- Take a spoon and with the back of it, squish the cucumber against the strainer until you get enough juice (1 ounce).
- Add ice to the cocktail shaker so it's halfway full.
- Add gin, lime juice, simple syrup and cucumber juice.4 ounces gin, 2 ounces lime juice, 1 1/4 ounces simple syrup, 1 ounce cucumber juice
- Cap shaker and shake for 15 seconds. Add ice to the double old fashioned glass if you're going to use one and strain and divide the liquid between the two glasses.
- Add 2 slices of cucumber to each glass for garnish.4, 2 thin lengthwise slices of cucumber, 2 inches long
- Sip
- Smile
- Enjoy
Equipment
Notes
- I use European cucumbers in this cocktail. You could use a regular cucumber but I find they have very thick skins.
- Don’t peel the cucumber as it looks prettier with the green of the skin. You are going to cut the 2 inch lengthwise slices for the garnish.
- Wash the citrus before juicing. Here’s how: squirt some natural, unscented foaming soap into your hand. I get mine at Whole Foods. Rub the lime between your hands to cover it with soap. Use a vegetable brush to scrub the skin. Run the lime under cold water, making sure all the soap has been washed off.
- I wash my cucumber the same way. In fact, I wash a lot of veggies and fruit the same way.
- I find this fine mesh strainer essential to cocktail making. I usually hold it over the glassware while I pour the cocktail through it and into the glass. With this cocktail, I place the strainer over a large measuring glass because you’re going to squish the cucumber for the juice.
Nutrition
From lighting up stages with her BA in theater to crafting delightful dishes and cocktails, Elaine Benoit's journey is a testament to passion's transformative power. As the CEO of Dishes Delish, she offers a blend of healthy, comforting recipes and exquisitely crafted cocktails. Beyond the kitchen, Elaine voiced her culinary adventures on her podcast, "Dishing," and co-owns Food Blogger Help, extending her expertise to guide budding food bloggers to success. Whether it's for a heartwarming dish or insights into food blogging, Elaine's diverse experiences make her a beacon in the culinary digital landscape.
Sounds like a cool cocktail for the patio. Interesting way to use cucumber. It works in water, so why not a drink too?? Happy summer!
Hehe! Thanks Gloria and back at you!
You can never have too many drink recipes, especially this time of year. What a great alternative to the traditional cocktails. I always have cucumber in the house.
Me too Natalia! Thanks so much for your comment.
I’m loving the crisp and sweet! This cucumber gimlet looks absolutely tasty and will surely be the new favorite of the crowd.
Thanks Dennis! I love this gimlet for the same reasons. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
I love how refreshing cucumber is in a beverage. The combination with lime is simply delish!
Thanks so much Lauren. I appreciate it!
This was such a refreshing cocktail idea and the cucumber garnish elevated the presentation. Will make these again!
I’m so glad to hear that Raquel! I adore this cocktail.
Beautiful and fresh. I love that cucumber is so versatile and it really adds a nice light and refreshing flavor to this drink.
Thanks so much Sarah! I agree, cucumbers are so refreshing! 🙂
I’ve been obsessed with cucumbers lately! I just can’t get enough of them! I’m happy to find another way to enjoy them! This looks fantastic!
Thanks so much Leslie!
Made this for my husband and he loved it! Definitely a great alternative to the classic gin and tonic.
Yay! I’m glad to hear that Kate! Thanks for letting me know.
Such a cool and refreshing summer cocktail! I’m crushing hard on the cucumber addition! I had never thought to add that! GENIUS!
Thanks so much Lori! I appreciate it. 🙂
Gimlets are one of my favorite gin cocktails. Adding cucumbers made it even more refreshing!
Thanks Brianna! I love adding cucumbers to recipes. 🙂
I love the gorgeous green color of this drink! It’s perfect for the summer since we’re always craving a refreshing drink at the end of our meal.
Thanks Jamie!! It’s such a refreshing drink!