Easy Cucumber Gimlet Recipe

A Cucumber Gimlet is a refreshing riff on a classic cocktail made with muddled fresh cucumber for a refreshing, earthy twist. The Gimlet is a cocktail known for having the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spirit due to its mix of simple syrup, lime juice, and dry gin. Swap the dry gin for vodka to make a Vodka Gimlet, or add a float of carbonated water or club soda to make a Gin Rickey. However you take it, mixologists will typically serve a Gimlet in a chilled coupe or martini glass or over ice in a rocks glass.

Due to the vegetable's high water content, cucumbers are relatively easy to muddle. Muddling is a method of lightly mashing fresh ingredients for cocktails with a small pestle to release their essence, adding dimension to your drinks and infusing them with the right balance of flavors. Here is a quick overview of how to muddle cucumber:

1. 1. Chop the cukes. Using a sharp knife, roughly chop up your cucumbers on a cutting board, which will make them easier to muddle.
2. 2. Add to the cocktail shaker. Place your cucumber slices inside a fresh cocktail shaker.
3. 3. Muddle the slices. Using a cocktail muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon, gently press down into the cucumber pieces, making a twisting motion as you go. Continue this muddling motion until the cucumber breaks down into a thick purée.

Mixologists of all levels will be able to craft these refreshing cocktails with ease. Follow these tips to make the most of your refreshing cucumber cocktails:

1. 1. Switch up the liquor. Swap the gin for vodka for a tasty alternative to this simple drink. Double down on the cucumber flavor with a cucumber gin or cucumber vodka. Add a splash of fruit liqueur, or an herbaceous or floral liqueur like elderflower or Chartreuse, for an added layer of flavor.
2. 2. Experiment with additions. Customize this Cucumber Gin Gimlet by incorporating additional fruit juices, sweeteners, and fresh herbs. Squeeze in some fresh fruit or lemon. Swap the simple syrup for agave, honey, or another sweetener. Muddle the cucumber with fresh herbs, like mint leaves, basil, or a sprig of rosemary, for an herbal twist.
3. 3. Make party-sized batches. Quadruple the Cucumber Gimlet recipe to make a party-sized batch. Muddle the cucumber and simple syrup in the base of a large pitcher before adding in the other ingredients and stirring thoroughly with a wooden spoon to combine. Serve the batched Gimlets over ice.