A refreshing twist on the classic gimlet, this cucumber mint cocktail brings garden-fresh flavors to your glass.
The combination of crisp cucumber, cool mint, tangy lime, and smooth gin creates a light and refreshing drink perfect for spring and summer entertaining.
The recipe takes less than 5 minutes to make and needs only basic bar tools.
Fresh ingredients make this cocktail stand out from standard gimlets. Muddled cucumber and mint add bright, natural tastes.
This cocktail works well for both casual backyard gatherings and fancy dinner parties.
The pale green color and garnishes of cucumber ribbons and mint sprigs make it look as good as it tastes.
Cucumber Mint Gimlet Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 0.75 oz simple syrup
- 3 cucumber slices
- 4 fresh mint leaves
- Ice cubes
- Cucumber ribbon and mint sprig for garnish
Instructions
- Place cucumber slices and mint leaves in the cocktail shaker.
- Muddle gently to release the flavors.
- Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until well chilled.
- Double strain into a chilled martini glass or coupe.
- Garnish with a cucumber ribbon and mint sprig.
Notes
Tasting Notes
The Cucumber Mint Gimlet greets the nose with fresh garden cucumber and bright lime zest. Cool mint adds a crisp, clean layer to the aroma.
On first sip, the gin’s botanical notes blend smoothly with fresh cucumber. The taste is light and refreshing, never overpowering.
Sweet and tart elements stay balanced throughout. Fresh lime juice provides a zippy citrus note that complements the gin’s juniper character.
Key flavor elements:
- Fresh cucumber
- Garden mint
- Lime zest
- Juniper
- Light sweetness
The finish stays clean and cool. Mint lingers pleasantly on the palate while cucumber keeps the drink crisp and refreshing.
This cocktail works best served very cold. The temperature brings out the drink’s refreshing qualities and enhances the cucumber-mint combination.
Garnishing with a thin cucumber wheel and mint sprig adds visual appeal while boosting the fresh aromas with each sip.
Substitute
A regular cucumber mint gimlet needs fresh cucumber, mint leaves, gin, and lime juice. When these items aren’t available, there are several easy swaps.
Replace fresh cucumber with 1 ounce of cucumber-flavored vodka or 1/2 ounce cucumber syrup. Both options add the needed cucumber taste.
No fresh mint? Use 1/4 ounce of mint syrup or 3-4 drops of mint extract. Dried mint leaves work too, but they need to steep in the drink for 5 minutes first.
Gin substitutes include vodka or white rum. These spirits keep the drink light and refreshing. Each one brings its own twist to the flavor.
Missing lime juice? Lemon juice works great in equal amounts. Bottled lime juice is another option, though fresh citrus gives better results.
Quick Substitution Guide:
- Fresh cucumber → Cucumber vodka or cucumber syrup
- Mint leaves → Mint syrup or mint extract
- Gin → Vodka or white rum
- Fresh lime → Fresh lemon or bottled lime juice
