What Is a Cucumber Gin Gimlet?

cucumber gin gimlet in coupe glass with cucumber garnish

A cucumber gin gimlet is a bright, garden-fresh take on the classic gin gimlet. Where the original relies on the bracing marriage of gin and lime, adding cucumber brings a cool, subtly vegetal note and a pleasing silky texture. The result is a cocktail that balances sharp citrus with refreshing green clarity, making it ideal for warm days and anyone who prefers drinks with clean, crisp finishes.

How Adding Cucumber Changes a Gimlet

Cucumber transforms a gin gimlet in two main ways: flavor and mouthfeel. From the very first muddle, cucumber infuses its cool, dewy aroma and a vibrancy that matches perfectly with botanically driven gin and tart lime. The flavor profile moves from merely citrusy to garden-fresh, with added depth and almost spa-like refreshment.

The natural water content of cucumber extends the drink without diluting its flavors.
Light muddling releases subtle cues of green melon and a mild vegetal sweetness.
The mouthfeel becomes softer and silkier thanks to cucumber’s juice, which helps the drink feel both brisk and smooth.

Classic Cucumber Gimlet Gin Recipe (in ml)

Here’s a recipe for a refreshing cucumber gin gimlet that balances crisp gin, tart lime, and garden-fresh cucumber. The proportions below keep cucumber in harmony with the base spirit and citrus—ideal for both newcomers and seasoned gin fans.

60 ml gin (London Dry or cucumber-forward gins work best)
30 ml fresh lime juice
15 ml simple syrup (1:1, adjust for your sweetness preference)
3–4 slices fresh cucumber (about 20 g, thinly sliced)
Cucumber ribbon or wheel, for garnish

Method: Making the Perfect Cucumber Gin Gimlet

Add cucumber slices to a shaker and gently muddle to release juices.
Pour in 60 ml gin, 30 ml fresh lime juice, and 15 ml simple syrup.
Fill shaker with ice and shake hard for 10–15 seconds.
Double strain into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass to remove fine solids.
Garnish with a cucumber ribbon or thin wheel on the rim.

muddled cucumber and gin in cocktail shaker

How to Adjust the Proportion for Cucumber

Unlike herbs or intensely flavored infusions, cucumber’s gentleness lets you increase its volume slightly without overpowering the drink. If you crave a bolder green note or silkier texture, add another slice or two and muddle a touch longer. However, too much cucumber can mute gin’s botanical complexity, so taste as you go.

Use 3 slices for a mild accent, 5 for pronounced cucumber flavor.
Peeling the cucumber before muddling gives a less bitter edge, ideal for sweeter profiles.
Switch to a softer muddle if using more cucumber, to avoid pulpy texture.

cucumber slices and gin ingredients for gimlet

Expert Tips for the Best Gin Cucumber Gimlet

Double strain carefully to remove cucumber solids; the goal is smooth, not pulpy.
Try with a cucumber-forward gin (like Hendrick’s) for amplified green notes. For drier balance, use classic London Dry.
Chill glassware thoroughly before serving to preserve aromatics.
A drop of saline solution (2 ml) or a pinch of salt can accentuate cucumber and lime brightness.

The cucumber gin gimlet is more than a simple twist on the tradition—it's a masterclass in textural and aromatic balance. Whether you use it to showcase a favorite gin or add a spa-like touch to classic cocktails, the cucumber gimlet is a rewarding experiment in freshness and finesse.