Cucumber Martini Cocktail Recipe

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Cucumber Martini Nutrition Facts

Calories:180

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:7g

Alcohol:15%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: January 7, 2024

History

The Cucumber Martini is a modern twist on the classic martini, which dates back to the 19th century. This refreshing cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a crisp, clean taste with a hint of botanicals. It has gained popularity in recent years due to its light and refreshing flavor profile, making it a favorite among health-conscious drinkers and those looking for a unique alternative to traditional martinis.

How Cucumber Martini Tastes?

The Cucumber Martini is crisp, clean, and refreshing with a subtle hint of botanicals. It has a light, slightly sweet taste with a smooth, velvety texture. The cucumber adds a cool, fresh flavor that balances the sharpness of the gin and the tanginess of the lemon.

Interesting facts about Cucumber Martini

  • The Cucumber Martini is sometimes called a 'Spa Martini' due to its refreshing and light qualities.
  • Cucumbers are known for their hydrating properties, making this cocktail a great choice for hot summer days or after a workout.
  • The use of cucumber in cocktails dates back to the 1800s, but the Cucumber Martini gained popularity in the early 2000s.

Ingredients

A few good options for Cucumber Martini are:

  • Tanqueray Gin
  • Roku Japanese Gin

Learn everything on which Gin to choose

Gin

Gin is the soul of any martini. With its 2 oz usage here, the gin provides the backbone with its botanicals playing a symphony in your glass. Less gin, and you're at sea without a sail; more, and you're overpowering the delicate cucumber notes.

Mary Mitkina

Cucumber

For a refreshing twist, cucumber is muddled to infuse its garden-fresh essence. It's like adding a whisper of a cool breeze on a hot day. Skip the cucumber, and it's no longer a Cucumber Martini—it's just a distant cousin twice removed.

Mary Mitkina

Lemon Juice

The 0.5 oz of lemon juice brings the zing! It's the citrus punch that wakes up the party in your mouth. Subtract it and your cocktail might just snooze through the soirée.

Alex Green

Simple Syrup

With a dash of 0.5 oz, simple syrup sweetens the deal. It's the peacemaker between the outspoken gin and the zesty lemon. No syrup? Get ready for a tart takeover that might be too sharp for some.

Mary Mitkina

Ice

Ice, ice baby—it cools and dilutes, making your sip a smooth slide down chill lane. No ice means you're left with a warm handshake when you wanted a cold hug from your drink.

Mary Mitkina

Cucumber Slice (Garnish)

The garnish is not just a pretty face; it's an aromatic invitation to take that first tantalizing sip. Skimp on the garnish, and you miss the flair that completes the ensemble.

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Cucumber Martini Drink

  1. In a cocktail shaker, muddle 3 cucumber slices to release their juice.
  2. Add 2 oz of gin, 0.5 oz of lemon juice, and 0.5 oz of simple syrup to the shaker.
  3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well until chilled.
  4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
  5. Garnish with a cucumber slice on the rim of the glass.

Pro Tips

  • Muddle the cucumber slices well to extract maximum flavor.
  • Use a high-quality gin for a smoother taste.
  • Chill the martini glass before pouring the cocktail for a refreshing experience.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Grilled Shrimp: The crispness of the cucumber and the brightness of the lemon in the martini cut through the smoky flavor of the shrimp.
  • Sushi: A Cucumber Martini's clean profile complements the delicate flavors of sushi, particularly cucumber rolls or light fish like tuna.

Salads

  • Greek Salad: The freshness of the cucumber in both the salad and the cocktail creates a harmonious experience.
  • Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette: The lemon notes in both the dressing and the martini echo each other, enhancing the flavors.

Cheese

  • Goat Cheese: Creamy yet tangy cheese like chèvre pairs well with the crisp notes of the martini.
  • Feta Cheese: Its salty tang matches the cocktail’s coolness and the botanicals from the gin.

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What you could change in Cucumber Martini

  • Gin: Can be replaced with vodka for a milder flavor.
  • Cucumber: Zucchini can be used as an alternative, but it will alter the taste.
  • Simple Syrup: Agave nectar or honey can be used as a natural sweetener.

Explore all drinks starting with C here

And of course - twists🍹

Spicy Cucumber Martini

  • Ingredients: Gin, Cucumber, Lemon juice, Simple syrup, Ice, Jalapeño slices, Chili salt
  • Recipe: Muddle cucumber and a few slices of jalapeño. Follow the original recipe, then rim the glass with chili salt. The added heat will tango with the cool cucumber, creating a dance of fire and ice in your mouth.

Cucumber Basil Martini

  • Ingredients: Gin, Cucumber, Lemon juice, Simple syrup, Fresh basil leaves, Ice
  • Recipe: Add basil leaves to the cucumber muddle for a herbaceous note. The basil's green personality will make the martini feel like a garden party in your mouth—refreshing with a hint of sophistication.

Cucumber Elderflower Martini

  • Ingredients: Gin, Cucumber, Lemon juice, Elderflower liqueur, Ice
  • Recipe: Replace simple syrup with elderflower liqueur. This ensemble brings a sweet, floral melody that makes the drink feel like a spring breeze kissed by the blooms.

In case you forgot basics how to make Cucumber Martini

The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.

Learn everything about simple syrup

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

The key to proper muddling is to crush the ingredients just enough to release their flavors and not overdo it. Over-muddling can result in a bitter taste, especially with herbs.

Learn everything on how to muddle

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Cucumber Martini

What kind of gin is best to use for a Cucumber Martini?

While you can use any gin, it's best to choose a high-quality gin with botanical notes such as Hendrick's or Bombay Sapphire for the best flavor in a Cucumber Martini.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?

Yes, you can use bottled lemon juice. However, fresh squeezed lemon juice typically has a better, fresher taste.

Can I make a Cucumber Martini in advance?

Yes, you can make the mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. However, it is recommended to serve it immediately after shaking it with ice for the best taste and freshness.

What other garnish can I use for a Cucumber Martini?

Alongside cucumber, you can also use a sprig of fresh mint or a twist of lemon peel as a garnish for this cocktail.

What food pairs well with a Cucumber Martini?

A Cucumber Martini pairs well with seafood dishes, particularly sushi or prawn cocktails. It also complements salads and other light, fresh dishes.

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