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This cucumber gin fizz is bright and refreshing and comes together in just minutes. A perfect sip when the sun is high and you need something cool to cut through the heat. Muddled cucumber works in harmony with gin and lime for a drink that’s crisp and floral yet light and balanced.
I made this for a weekend picnic and it quickly became everyone’s favorite. It feels fancy but takes almost no time to whip up.
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Ingredients
- Cucumber slices: Provide a soothing and crisp base flavor choose firm cucumbers with dark green skin
- Fresh lime juice: Gives acidity that brightens the drink use ripe juicy limes for maximum flavor
- Simple syrup: Adds a touch of sweetness balancing the tart lime homemade syrup is best
- Hendrick’s gin: Lends floral botanical depth complementing the cucumber beautifully
- Seltzer water: Adds effervescence making it feel ultra refreshing choose unflavored for best results
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Muddle the Cucumber:
- In a cocktail shaker add three slices of cucumber fresh lime juice and simple syrup Use a muddler to press until cucumber is fully broken down and its juices released This step is essential to infuse the base with fresh cucumber flavor
- Shake the Cocktail:
- Fill the shaker with ice then pour in the gin Shake vigorously for about ten seconds to chill and blend the ingredients properly A cold shake ensures everything is well combined and refreshing
- Strain and Pour:
- Using a mini strainer pour the liquid into a Collins glass filled with fresh ice The strainer keeps the drink smooth and clean from cucumber pulp
- Top with Bubbles and Garnish:
- Finish with one to two ounces of seltzer water depending on your preference Garnish with a cucumber slice for a clean visual and added aroma
Storage Tips
Simple syrup can be prepared ahead and stored in the fridge for up to five days Keep it chilled in a sealed jar If making for a party prep the cucumber lime and syrup mixture in advance but add gin and seltzer just before serving
Ingredient Substitutions
Try vodka if you do not have gin but you will lose some of the botanical depth Club soda can replace seltzer though it has added sodium English cucumbers work best but Persian cucumbers are also excellent
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Serving Suggestions
Serve in tall Collins glasses with plenty of ice for best refreshment Pair with grilled shrimp or herbed crostini to make it a light summer aperitif Make a batch in a pitcher for parties but shake per serving for that chilled effect
Cultural Context
Gin cocktails have long been a summer staple in Europe especially those that highlight botanicals and herbs The use of cucumber and seltzer in this drink mirrors classic spa flavors making it a contemporary wellness inspired twist on traditional gin fizz
Cucumber is the standout for me I always remember sharing this drink with my sister while laughing on the porch after planting herbs in the sun It became our summer ritual
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → What type of gin works best for this drink?
A floral gin like Hendrick's complements the cucumber and lime beautifully, but any quality gin will work.
- → Can I make it without a cocktail shaker?
Yes, you can muddle ingredients in a sturdy glass and stir vigorously with ice before straining.
- → Is there a non-alcoholic version?
Yes, omit the gin and add more seltzer or a splash of cucumber tonic for a refreshing mocktail.
- → How do I make simple syrup?
Combine equal parts sugar and water, heat while stirring until dissolved, then cool before use.
- → Can I prepare it ahead of time?
You can mix everything except seltzer ahead and chill. Add seltzer just before serving to keep the fizz.