When paired with spirits like vodka, gin and tequila, cucumbers offer a neutral, clean canvas for experimentation, allowing the vegetable to be paired with other ingredients. Not only does their natural freshness blend excellently with of spirits and mixers, but the crispness also adds much-needed texture, making cucumber-based cocktails a delightful concept in the world of mixology. From garden-inspired classic cocktails for your summer parties to innovative infusions for intimate gatherings; or revitalising coolers and timeless classics for backyard barbecues, cucumber cocktails are vibrant, versatile and easy to make.
Cucumber Gin & Tonic
Image Credits: Taylerson's Syrups
If you love the classic G&T, then the refreshing twist that cucumber brings to the cocktail is going to be an enjoyable one. Combining the botanical essence of good quality gins with cucumber to give the classic a modern upgrade that can be served up at summer parties all over. To make this cocktail, place a few slices of cucumber in a cocktail glass and muddle them. Pour in 50ml gin, 100ml tonic water and ice cubes, stir and garnish with fresh mint leaves and a wheel of cucumber. Serve up and enjoy this refreshing drink.
Cucumber Mint Cooler
Another revitalising cucumber-based cocktail that celebrates the essence of the vegetable, this cooler can be made with vodka. To craft this one, place a few cucumber slices and mint leaves in a cocktail shaker and muddle them. Alternatively, if you are making a large batch, you can also grind these two together and place a tablespoon of the mix in a shaker. Now add 50ml vodka, a dash of simple syrup and ice cubes and shake vigorously to infuse. Strain the cooler into a tall glass and garnish with mint leaves and cucumber slices.
Cucumber Martini
Image Credits: Maine Spirits
Turn your classic martini into a cocktail that is as cool as a cucumber with cucumber-infused vodka. To make this vodka infusion, just muddle a few cucumber slices and add vodka and let it steep for a day or two. Strain the infused vodka, then pour in 50ml of it in a cocktail shaker with 10ml dry vermouth and ice cubes. Shake well to infuse further, then strain the blend into a martini glass with cucumber slices as garnish. You can also add a dash of lemon juice to add a bit of refreshing tang to the cocktail.
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Cucumber Elderflower Fizz
Sophisticated, bubbly and utterly fun to sip on, this flavourful cucumber cocktail slays because of its incredible floral notes. The combination of cucumber, elderflower liqueur and gin is simply delicious. Add to that some sparkling wine for effervescence, and you have a total winner at hand. To make this cocktail, mix 50ml cucumber juice, 25ml elderflower liqueur and ice cubes in a shaker. Strain the liquid into a champagne flute, then top it up with sparkling wine. Garnish with a ribbon of cucumber for effect.
Cucumber Margarita
Image Credits: Olmeca Altos
The simple addition of cucumbers turns this one into a delicious, summery cocktail that is truly transformative. The mild sweetness of cucumbers balance out the citrusy tartness of lime juice, making this the most refreshing cucumber cocktail there is. To create this one, add 50ml tequila, 25ml lime juice and 25ml triple sec into a cocktail shaker, followed by a few muddled slices of cucumber and cucumber essence. Shake the mix with ice cubes for a few seconds, then strain into a margarita glass full of crushed ice and a salt rim. Add a twist of lime and enjoy this bold drink.