Cucumber Gimlet

When I’m craving something cool, crisp, and just a little bit fancy, I always reach for a Cucumber Gimlet. Inspired by a recent trip to Din Tai Fung in Costa Mesa, CA, I’ve perfected this recipe over the spring, and trust me—it delivers every time!

The fresh cucumber juice mingles with a hint of elderflower and bright lime juice to create what I like to call “my garden party in a glass.”

I personally love using Roku gin in this recipe. It adds this incredibly smooth, botanical touch that’s perfect when I’m looking for that refreshing sip after a long day.

However, if you have another gin on hand, or even vodka, it will work nicely.

Now let’s talk about that gorgeous cucumber and mint garnish?

Whenever I serve these to friends they ask for my secret! It’s not hard– fresh ingredients from your local shop, farmers market, or even better, home garden, will always make this cocktail sing.

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Why I’m Obsessed with My Cucumber Gimlet

• It’s incredibly fresh and cooling—perfect for those scorching summer afternoons when I’m lounging on my back patio.
• The elderflower adds this sweet floral hint that makes me feel like I’m sipping something extra special, without having to add in a ton of simple syrup.
• That cucumber and mint garnish? It looks exactly like something I’d order at my favorite fancy cocktail bar—but I can easily whip it up in my own kitchen and home garden!

Whether I’m mixing these up for a backyard BBQ or treating myself to a quiet evening cocktail as I watch the sunset, this gimlet never disappoints.

Now if I could only get my husband to stop stealing mine when he comes home from work. Ha!

How to make cucumber juice:

• Cut up 1/2 cucumber and place in a food processor.
• Pour through a thing mesh strainer into a fresh glass container (if you want ultra-strained, use a cheesecloth)

Tools for recipe:

• Cocktail Shaker
  • Best shaker for any cocktail
  • Mason Jar cocktail shaker lid
• Lowball Glass
• Fine mesh strainer
• Cocktail strainer
• Jigger or small measuring glass
• Muddler or wooden spoon
• Mandoline slicer or vegetable peeler

How to make a Cucumber Gimlet

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Roku gin
• 0.5 oz St-Germain (elderflower liqueur)
• 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
• 0.75 oz fresh cucumber juice
• Mint (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Add the gin, St-Germain, lime juice, and cucumber juice to a cocktail shaker.
2. Add ice and shake well until chilled.
3. Strain into a lowball glass filled with fresh ice.
4. Wrap two thin, lengthwise cucumber slices around the inside of the glass for a stunning look.
5. Garnish with a fresh mint leaf on top.

Tip: Slice the cucumber super thin (using a vegetable peeler or mandoline slicer) for easy wrapping inside the glass!

Cucumber Gimlet Mocktail

Not feeling the alcohol? No worries! I make a killer Cucumber Gimlet Mocktail that brings all the flavor and beauty of the original, minus the booze. It’s become my go-to when I’m hosting friends who don’t drink.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz cold cucumber tea or cucumber-infused water
• 0.5 oz elderflower syrup or elderflower cordial
• 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
• 0.75 oz fresh cucumber juice
• Mint (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Add the cucumber tea (or infused water), elderflower syrup, lime juice, and cucumber juice to a shaker.
2. Add ice and shake well until nice and cold.
3. Strain into a lowball glass filled with fresh ice.
4. Wrap two thin cucumber slices around the inside of the glass.
5. Garnish with a mint leaf.

Optional: Want a little sparkle? Top with a splash of soda water after straining!