A Cucumber Gin Gimlet is a refreshing cocktail made with gin, lime juice, simple syrup, and muddled cucumber. It’s a perfect summer drink that’s light, crisp, and easy to make.
You’ll find this gin gimlet recipe in the recipe card listed below.
Cucumber Gin Gimlet
Our Gin Gimlet is everything you need a warm-weather cocktail to be; simple to make and delicious.
It is made with ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store.
And the results are no-fuss and incredibly refreshing sipper you’ll want to keep on deck all summer! Cheers!
The history behind the Classic Gin Gimlet
The gin gimlet was first introduced to the public in the early 20th century. It is believed to have originated as a way for sailors to consume lime juice to prevent scurvy on navy ships.
The drink became popular during World War II when gin was a popular spirit, and citrus fruits were in short supply. Today, the gin gimlet remains a classic cocktail enjoyed by many.
Although the classic gin gimlet recipe was initially created to prevent scurvy, it quickly gained popularity as a refreshing cocktail. Here are a few interesting facts about this classic drink:
- The traditional recipe for a gin gimlet calls for gin, lime juice, and simple syrup. However, many variations of the cocktail incorporate different flavors and ingredients.
- Some people prefer to use fresh lime juice in their gimlets, while others opt for bottled lime juice or even Rose’s lime cordial.
- The gin gimlet is often served over ice but can also be strained and served in a chilled glass.
- If you’re a fan of gin cocktails, you might also enjoy a negroni or a gin and tonic.
You may be interested in checking out Harry Craddock’s cocktail book, The Savoy Cocktail Book, for his take on the French Gimlet.
What You Will Need:
Gin. Although any gin will do, we have a thing for Tangeurray No. 10; for a lighter gin with floral notes, I like Hendrink’s Neptunia gin with a lot of citrus notes and an undercurrent of brininess that pairs well with the cucumber.
Cucumber. Muddled cucumber gives this drink an air of spring and summer, leaving you feeling refreshed and craving another.
Fresh Lime Juice. There’s nothing like fresh squeezed lime juice to brighten up a cocktail.
Agave Syrup. I love using agave syrup in this cocktail because it lends a bit of sweetness that balances out this simple yet highly satisfying cocktail.
Cucumber Garnish. A thin ribbon of cucumber is the perfect garnish for this easy cocktail.
How to make a Cucumber Gin Gimlet Cocktail:
Ingredients:
- 2-3 cucumber wheels or wedges
- 2 ounces of gin *I prefer Tanqueray No. 10 Gin or Sipsmith
- 1/2 ounce agave
- 1/2 ounce of fresh lime juice
- garnish with a ribbon of fresh cucumber on a cocktail stick
Directions:
- Into a cocktail shaker of cucumber and thoroughly muddle; you want to get as much cucumber juice as possible.
- Add ice, agave, and fresh lime juice.
- Stir vigorously with a long-handled bar spoon for at least 30 seconds
- Strain or double strain into a chilled coupe glass or martini glass.
- Serve with a fresh ribbon of cucumber on a cocktail stick. A lime wheel on a cocktail shaker will work too.
Additional tips:
- You can use Rose’s lime juice cordial if you don’t have fresh lime.
- Swap out the lime juice for grapefruit juice to create a slightly bitter, tangy twist on the classic recipe.
- If you’re looking for a sweeter cocktail version, add a splash of simple syrup or a few drops of honey to the mix.
- Consider using mezcal instead of gin in your Gimlet for a smokier, more complex flavor.
Home Bar Tip. Make sure you muddle the cumber until the flesh and rind break apart.
The goal is to get as much cucumber flavor into the cocktail as possible.
Also, double-strain the drink into your serving glass to ensure you don’t have pieces of cucumber or lime floating in the finished cocktail.
Our favorite gin picks for this gin cocktail:
- Sip Smith Dry Gin
- Tanqueray No. 10
- Hendrink’s Nepuntia
- The Botanist
Tools you will need:
- Cocktail Mixing Glass
- Citrus Press
- Long Handled Bar Spoon
- Cocktail Sticks
- Mandolin
- Coupe Glasses (the glasses we are using are from Crate & Barrel)
What is the best gin for this kind of cocktail?
I recommend a quality traditional gin, nothing over-priced, and with a solid gin profile.
I have been drinking Sipsmith gin for over five years, and it is one of my go-to gins for mixing cocktails.
I love a gin that has a solid juniper profile, and it also has lovely citrus notes.
Can I use vodka instead?
If you want to make a Vodka Gimlet, add 2 ounces of vodka and omit the gin.
Should gin-based cocktails be shaken in a cocktail tin or stirred?
When it comes to spirits, gin is very delicate. Prominent top notes of a traditional gin liquor are juniper and coriander, along with other botanicals, and when is meant by botanicals are natural ingredients derived from plants, i.e., fruits, seeds, and spices.
Shaking a gin-based drink in a cocktail shaker breaks down the top notes and dilutes them, and if you enjoy the taste of gin shaking gin in a cocktail shaker will result in a watered-down, off-tasting gin drink.
To avoid the degradation of the gin or what is known as “bruising” the gin, mix your gin-based cocktail in a mixing glass using a long-handled bar spoon is also best.
Can I make this Cucumber Gin Gimlet in a batch?
A rule of thumb when making drinks in large quantities is to use 1 ounce as a cup and 1/2 ounce measurements as half a cup.
So, for this gimlet drink, let’s multiply the ingredients using this method.
- 6 cups of gin
- 1 1/2 cups of lime juice
- 1 1/2 cups of agave syrup
- 1/3 cup of chilled cucumber juice
Combine all ingredients, place into a large pitcher, chill in the fridge or freezer until it is ice cold, then pour over ice in a cocktail glass.
Now, you have a delicious and easy summertime cocktail recipe to serve your guests for your next backyard barbecue or get-together or enjoy a glass or two while sitting on your patio and thoroughly enjoying the moment. Cheers!
More Cocktail Recipes:
Lemon & Cucumber Lemonade Vodka Cocktail
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2-3 cucumber wheels or wedges
- 2 ounces of gin *I prefer Tanqueray No. 10 Gin or Sipsmith
- 1/2 ounce agave
- 1/2 ounce of fresh lime juice
- garnish with a ribbon of fresh cucumber on a cocktail stick
Instructions
- Into a cocktail shaker of cucumber and thoroughly muddle; you want to get as much cucumber juice as possible.
- Add ice, agave, and fresh lime juice.
- Stir vigorously with a long-handled bar spoon for at least 30 seconds
- Strain or double strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Serve with a fresh ribbon of cucumber on a cocktail stick.
Leave a Reply