Cucumber-Rosemary Gin & Tonic Cocktail Recipe

Jump to Recipe ⬇️

Cucumber-Rosemary Gin & Tonic Nutrition Facts

Calories:~150

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:~4g

Alcohol:~14%

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-Rosemary Gin & Tonic is a modern twist on the classic Gin & Tonic, which dates back to the 1700s. Originally developed by the British East India Company as a means to fight malaria, the Gin & Tonic has evolved into a sophisticated cocktail enjoyed by many.

  • Popularity: This refreshing variant has gained popularity among those who appreciate herbal and botanical flavors.
  • Occasions: It's perfect for a summer day or as a classy cocktail at a dinner party.
  • Evolution: The addition of cucumber and rosemary introduces a fresh, aromatic experience to the traditional drink.

How Cucumber-Rosemary Gin & Tonic Tastes?

The Cucumber-Rosemary Gin & Tonic offers a harmonious blend of botanical gin, the crispness of fresh cucumber, the woody essence of rosemary, and the quinine bitterness from the tonic. It's refreshing, slightly sweet, and herbaceous with a subtle bitterness that balances the drink.

Interesting facts about Cucumber-Rosemary Gin & Tonic

  • The quinine in tonic water was historically used as a prophylactic against malaria.
  • Cucumber in cocktails is a relatively recent trend, adding a new dimension of freshness.
  • Rosemary not only adds flavor but also has been used for its potential health benefits, including improving digestion and enhancing memory.

Ingredients

A few good options for Cucumber-Rosemary Gin & Tonic are:

  • Brockmans
  • Silent Pool Gin
  • Hendrick's Gin

Learn everything on which Gin to choose

Gin (2 oz)

Gin, with its botanical notes, is the backbone of this drink. The 2 oz serving is the Goldilocks’ just-right for balancing strength and flavor. Less could be too subtle; more might be overpowering.

Emma Rose

Tonic Water (4-6 oz)

It provides the effervescence and slight bitterness that define a G&T. Use less for a stronger gin flavor, more for a milder taste. No tonic, no G&T—it's that simple!

Mary Mitkina

Cucumber Slices (3-4)

Cucumber adds a crisp, refreshing twist that pairs exquisitely with gin. Without it, you’ll miss out on the cool factor—literally!

Alex Green

Rosemary Sprig (1)

Rosemary's piney scent adds depth to the cocktail. Forget it, and you'll lose a layer of aromatic complexity. Like Shakespeare without the soliloquy.

Emma Rose

Lime Juice (0.5 oz)

Lime juice cuts through with a bright acidity, balancing the gin's botanicals and the tonic's sweetness. Leave it out, and the drink may tilt towards too sweet or too flat.

Mary Mitkina

Ice Cubes (as needed)

They keep the drink cold and crisp. Without ice, this cocktail could become a lukewarm letdown.

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Cucumber-Rosemary Gin & Tonic Drink

  1. Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
  2. Add the gin and lime juice to the glass.
  3. Gently muddle a cucumber slice and rosemary sprig in the glass to release their flavors.
  4. Fill the glass with tonic water.
  5. Stir gently to combine.
  6. Garnish with the remaining cucumber slices and a sprig of rosemary.

Pro Tips

  • Chill the Glass: Before preparing the drink, chill the highball glass to keep the cocktail colder for longer.
  • Quality Tonic: Use a high-quality tonic water to ensure the best flavor balance.
  • Slap the Rosemary: Before garnishing, slap the rosemary sprig between your hands to release its aromatic oils.

Perfect Pairings

Seafood

Seafood, particularly white fish or shellfish like shrimp, can complement the herby and fresh notes of the Cucumber-Rosemary Gin & Tonic.

Salads

A crisp, green salad, perhaps with a vinaigrette dressing, would mirror the freshness of the cucumber and the tang of the lime.

Light Pasta Dishes

Choose pasta with a light sauce, such as olive oil or a simple pesto, to avoid overpowering the delicate flavors of the cocktail.

Cheese Platter

Mild cheeses, such as goat cheese or a young brie, offer a creamy balance to the cocktail’s effervescence and botanicals.

🍹 Discover the Top 50 All-Time Recipes! 🍹

Enter your email, and we'll send the exclusive list straight to your inbox.

We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously

What you could change in Cucumber-Rosemary Gin & Tonic

  • Gin: If you prefer a less botanical gin, Hendrick's can be substituted for a more traditional London Dry gin like Tanqueray.
  • Tonic Water: For a less sweet option, use a tonic syrup like Jack Rudy Cocktail Co.'s and mix with soda water.
  • Cucumber: In a pinch, cucumber-infused water can be used to impart some of the cucumber flavor.

Explore all drinks starting with C here

And of course - twists🍹

Spicy Cucumber-Rosemary Gin & Tonic

Add a thin slice of jalapeño to the muddling step. It'll make the drink a bit fiery, perfect for those who like a bit of heat with their cool.

Berry-Rosemary Gin & Tonic

Drop a few fresh berries in with the cucumber. The sweetness and color of the berries will dance playfully with the gin’s complexity.

Elderflower Cucumber-Rosemary Gin & Tonic

Substitute one ounce of tonic water with elderflower liqueur. This will add a sweet-floral note, taking the botanical theme to a midsummer night’s dream.

In case you forgot basics how to make Cucumber-Rosemary Gin & Tonic

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

Learn everything on how to stir

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

Find the cocktail you'd love!

If you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
Completely free!

Frequently Asked Questions on Cucumber-Rosemary Gin & Tonic

What type of glass is best suited for a Cucumber-Rosemary Gin & Tonic?

A highball glass is typically used for Gin & Tonic as it provides ample space for ice and garnishes, allowing the drink's aroma and flavors to be fully appreciated.

Can I prepare a Cucumber-Rosemary Gin & Tonic in advance for a party?

It's best to prepare each cocktail fresh to maintain the effervescence of the tonic and the crispness of the cucumber. However, you can premix the gin and lime juice and keep sliced cucumber and rosemary sprigs ready for quick assembly.

Is there an alcohol-free version of this cocktail?

Yes, you can create a non-alcoholic version by substituting the gin with a non-alcoholic spirit or simply increasing the amount of tonic water and adding more lime juice for flavor.

What can I use if I don't have fresh rosemary for the cocktail?

Dried rosemary can be used in a pinch. Start with a smaller amount as it's more concentrated in flavor, and be sure to strain it out before serving.

How do I properly muddle ingredients without a muddler?

You can use the back of a spoon or a small rolling pin to gently press and twist the ingredients against the glass, releasing their essential oils and flavors.

More similar recipes to Cucumber-Rosemary Gin & Tonic!

Explore new cocktails you'd love!

Please rate this recipe