Spring cocktails bring fresh flavors to any gathering. The Cucumber Elderflower Gimlet adds an elegant twist to the classic drink.
This light and refreshing cocktail combines crisp cucumber, sweet elderflower liqueur, and tangy lime juice with gin. It makes a perfect warm-weather sipper.
The mix of floral and garden-fresh tastes makes this drink ideal for outdoor parties or brunches. Relaxing on the patio with this cocktail feels extra special.
The bright green color and simple garnishes create an eye-catching presentation. Guests will feel impressed by its look and taste.
You can make this drink at home with just a few basic ingredients. The recipe works for both casual get-togethers and fancy events.
It’s a versatile addition to any home bartender’s menu.
Cucumber Elderflower Gimlet Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz St. Germain elderflower liqueur
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 3 thin cucumber slices plus 1 for garnish
- Ice cubes for shaking
- Optional: cucumber ribbon for garnish
Instructions
- Place 3 cucumber slices in the bottom of a cocktail shaker.
- Muddle the cucumber gently to release the juice and oils.
- Add gin, elderflower liqueur, and fresh lime juice to the shaker.
- Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until well-chilled.
- Double-strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a fresh cucumber slice or ribbon.
Notes
Tasting Notes
The Cucumber Elderflower Gimlet delivers a bright, fresh taste. The gin’s botanical notes blend smoothly with the sweet, floral elderflower liqueur.
Fresh cucumber adds a cool, crisp element. This makes the drink perfect for warm days.
Lime juice brings a tangy zip that balances the sweetness. Each sip starts with elderflower’s gentle sweetness, followed by cucumber’s clean taste.
The gin’s juniper and botanical flavors emerge in the middle. Lime provides a tart finish.
The texture is silky and refreshing. Serving the drink ice-cold enhances its crispness and brings out the cucumber’s garden-fresh qualities.
Key Flavor Notes:
- Floral elderflower
- Fresh cucumber
- Juniper and botanicals
- Bright citrus
- Clean finish
The drink stays light and balanced. Each ingredient blends into a harmonious garden-inspired flavor.
Substitute
A simple swap can make this cocktail non-alcoholic.
Replace the gin with extra cucumber juice and a splash of tonic water.
If you want to skip elderflower liqueur, use elderflower syrup or cordial instead.
You can often find these items in specialty food stores or online markets.
No fresh cucumbers?
Try using 2 ounces of store-bought cucumber juice.
It works well in this recipe.
Fresh lime juice can be switched with bottled lime juice.
Use the same amount as listed in the original recipe.
Alternative spirits for gin:
- Vodka
- White rum
- Botanical non-alcoholic spirits
- Tequila blanco
You can adjust the sweetness by using more or less elderflower syrup.
Start with half the amount and add more to taste.
If you prefer a less tart drink, cut the lime juice by half.
Make up the difference with club soda.
