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This refreshing cucumber martini recipe is the perfect light cocktail to sip on during warmer weather or when you want something crisp and herbaceous. Made with fresh cucumber, mint, lime, and your choice of vodka or gin, it’s simple to shake up and totally irresistible. It’s refreshing, easy to love, and has just the right touch of sweetness.
If you’re looking for a cucumber martini cocktail that feels fancy but takes less than 10 minutes to make, this is the one. Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself to a relaxing night in, this cucumber gimlet martini hits the spot.
If you happen to have leftover cucumbers, or you are growing them in your garden this year–pair this with my Cucumber with Tomato Salad, Greek Cucumber Salad and Grilled Caprese Chicken for the perfect summer al fresco moment.
Why You’ll Love This Cucumber Martini
- Fresh and Flavorful – Cucumber and mint make this cocktail ultra refreshing.
- Easy to Make – Just 10 minutes and a cocktail shaker.
- Naturally light – A cleaner twist on a classic gimlet-style drink.
- Customizable Sweetness – Add as much (or as little) simple syrup as you’d like.
- Vegan and Gluten-Free – Naturally allergy-friendly.
Ingredient Notes
- Cucumber: Use fresh, firm cucumbers. You’ll muddle them to release all that crisp, cool flavor.
- Mint leaves: Torn fresh mint balances the cucumber and lime beautifully.
- Vodka or gin: Both work well, vodka keeps it clean and crisp, while gin adds botanical notes.
- Dry vermouth: Just a splash gives this martini its classic edge.
- Lime juice: Freshly squeezed is always best! It adds the perfect tart bite.
- Simple syrup: Adjust the sweetness to your liking. Start with a little and add more if needed.
- Ice: Essential for shaking and chilling the drink.
- Optional garnish: Cucumber ribbons on a cocktail pick make this feel elevated without extra effort.
How To Make This Cucumber Martini
- Step 1: Add cucumber slices and mint to a cocktail shaker. Use a muddler or the end of a wooden rolling pin to smash up the cucumbers and mint a bit. This will enhance the flavor.
- Step 2: Add vodka or gin, dry vermouth, simple sugar and lime and give it a stir. I like to add a bit of simple sugar to start and adjust at the end.
- Step 3:Add the ice.
- Step 4: Add the top to the cocktail shaker and shake really well. Taste and adjust sweetness with more simple sugar to taste. Shake again.
- Step 5: Strain cucumber martini into your serving glasses.
- Step 6: Garnish with cucumber ribbons, bunched up and threaded onto a cocktail stick.
What To Serve With Cucumber Martinis
Want to elevate the night with some fun appetizers? I have you covered. Nothing beats a warm summer night with a refreshing cocktail and some hors d’oeuvres.
- Mini Macaroni Bites, Parmesan Smashed Potatoes or Burrata Pesto all work as a fabulous bite to pair.
Tips For Cucumber Martini Recipes
- What’s the best alcohol for a cucumber martini? Either vodka or gin works. Vodka gives it a cleaner, milder flavor, while gin adds more complexity with botanical notes.
- Can I make this ahead of time? You can prep the ingredients in advance, but it’s best shaken fresh right before serving for optimal flavor and chill.
- Is this cucumber martini recipe sweet? It can be! That’s up to you. Add simple syrup gradually and adjust to your preference.
- Can I make this without a cocktail shaker? Yes. Use a mason jar with a tight lid or stir vigorously in a large glass and strain before serving.
MORE SUMMER RECIPES
Cucumber Martini Cocktail
This cucumber martini is crisp, refreshing, and ready in just 10 minutes. Made with muddled cucumber, fresh mint, lime juice, and your choice of vodka or gin, it’s the perfect cocktail for warmer weather or a clean, herbaceous happy hour.
Equipment
- Muddler
- Cocktail Shaker
Ingredients
- 1 cucumber, Sliced thin, 3.5oz / 100g, plus 2 – 4 thin ribbons for garnish
- 5 oz vodka or gin
- 1 tbsp dry vermouth
- 1 oz simple sugar syrup , add more if needed
- 1.5 oz lime juice
- 1 small bunch mint leaves, torn (0.3oz / 8g)
- 2 cups ice
Instructions
- Add cucumber slices and mint to a cocktail shaker. Use a muddler or the end of a wooden rolling pin to smash up the cucumbers and mint a bit. This will enhance the flavour.
- Add vodka or gin, dry vermouth, simple sugar and lime and give it a stir. I like to add a bit of simple sugar to start and adjust at the end.
- Add the ice.
- Add the top to the cocktail shaker and shake really well. Taste and adjust sweetness with more simple sugar to taste. Shake again.
- Strain cucumber martini into your serving glasses.
- Garnish with cucumber ribbons, bunched up and threaded onto a cocktail stick.
Notes
- What’s the best alcohol for a cucumber martini? Either vodka or gin works. Vodka gives it a cleaner, milder flavor, while gin adds more complexity with botanical notes.
- Can I make this ahead of time? You can prep the ingredients in advance, but it’s best shaken fresh right before serving for optimal flavor and chill.
- Is this cucumber martini recipe sweet? It can be! That’s up to you. Add simple syrup gradually and adjust to your preference.
- Can I make this without a cocktail shaker? Yes. Use a mason jar with a tight lid or stir vigorously in a large glass and strain before serving.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 drink | Calories: 234kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.3g | Saturated Fat: 0.02g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 24mg | Potassium: 241mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 140IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Like this recipe? Leave a comment below!
I hope you all love this cocktail