There’s something about a Cucumber Martini that just hits the spot—especially on a warm day or when you want something light and refreshing to wind down with. It’s crisp, cool, and just a little bit fancy without trying too hard. This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights on the patio, and after making it more times than I can count, I’ve picked up a few tips I’m excited to share.
Cucumber Martini
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Glass: Martini glass or coupe glass
Ingredients
– 2 oz (60 ml) gin
– 1 oz (30 ml) fresh cucumber juice
– ½ oz (15 ml) simple syrup (or agave syrup for a natural twist)
– ½ oz (15 ml) fresh lime juice
– Ice cubes (enough to fill your shaker)
– 1 thin slice of cucumber (for garnish)
Method
- Make the cucumber juice: Peel and roughly chop about ½ a cucumber. Blend it in a small blender or food processor, then strain through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth. You’ll want about 1 oz (30 ml) of juice.
- Muddle the cucumber: Drop a few small cucumber chunks into your cocktail shaker and give them a gentle muddle—just enough to release more of that fresh flavor. If you’ve already juiced the cucumber, you can skip this step or do both for extra punch.
- Add everything to the shaker: Pour in the gin, cucumber juice, lime juice, and simple syrup. Fill the shaker with ice.
- Shake it up: Shake firmly for about 15–20 seconds, until the outside of the shaker feels icy cold. This chills the drink and blends the flavors beautifully.
- Strain and serve: Strain into a chilled martini or coupe glass. Garnish with a thin cucumber slice or a fresh mint sprig if you’re feeling fancy.
Tips & Tricks
– Use fresh, crisp cucumbers—English cucumbers are great because they have thin skins and fewer seeds.
– Don’t overdo the syrup. You want the cucumber and gin to shine. Start with ½ oz and adjust to taste.
– Chill your glass beforehand by placing it in the freezer for a few minutes. It makes a big difference.
– Try cucumber-infused gin for an even more cucumber-forward flavor.
Make-Ahead Notes
You can batch everything except the ice and cucumber juice a few hours ahead. Store in the fridge, then add freshly squeezed cucumber juice and shake with ice just before serving. This keeps the flavor bright and fresh.
Storage
This cocktail is best served fresh. If you have leftover cucumber juice, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Shake well before using again.
Serving Suggestions
Cucumber Martinis pair beautifully with:
– Light appetizers like goat cheese crostini or hummus with fresh veggies
– Grilled seafood, especially shrimp or scallops
– Fresh salads with vinaigrette, especially those with herbs like dill or mint
I love serving this cocktail at brunches or garden parties—it’s light enough to enjoy early in the day and always impresses guests with its clean, fresh flavor.
Recipe Variations
Spicy Cucumber Martini
– Add a thin slice of jalapeño to the shaker before muddling.
– It adds a subtle heat that plays well with the cool cucumber.
Herbal Cucumber Martini
– Muddle a sprig of dill or basil with the cucumber.
– It gives a lovely aromatic twist that’s especially good with seafood.
Sweet & Floral Cucumber Martini
– Add a splash (about ½ oz or 15 ml) of elderflower liqueur.
– It gives the drink a soft, floral sweetness that’s hard to resist.
Virgin Cucumber Martini
– Skip the gin and use sparkling water instead.
– Still refreshing, with a clean, cucumber-forward flavor.
Common Questions
Can I make this without a cocktail shaker?
Yes! You can stir everything in a jar or glass with ice and strain, but shaking gives it a smoother, colder finish.
Do I have to peel the cucumber?
Not necessarily. If you’re blending it for juice, peel if the skin is thick or waxy. Otherwise, leave it on—it adds nice color and a bit of extra flavor.
What’s the best type of gin for this?
Something light and botanical works best. Hendrick’s is a popular choice because it already has cucumber notes, but any quality gin will do.
How sweet is this cocktail?
It’s lightly sweet. You can adjust the simple syrup to your taste or use a natural sweetener like agave or honey.
How do I know when I’ve shaken it enough?
When the shaker feels really cold—almost too cold to hold—it’s ready. That usually takes about 15–20 seconds.
Final Thoughts
A Cucumber Martini is one of those cocktails that feels fancy but is actually super easy to make. It’s fresh, clean, and endlessly customizable. I thought I’d share one of my favorite after-dinner cocktails because it always hits the right note—whether I’m hosting friends or just enjoying a quiet evening. Try it once, and I bet it’ll become a staple in your cocktail lineup too.
