I need another cup of coffee. I need a vacation. I need something interesting to write about today. All I’ve got are cucumber cocktails. Happy hour, anyone?
Come on over. I have chilled cocktails in the fridge and an overgrown-yet-very-green backyard with two patio chairs. Sitting out there sounds much more appealing than tending to my inbox or addressing the technical difficulties that never.stop.coming.
Maybe I can entice you with a description of this cold cucumber cocktail. I know I can’t resist a cucumber drink on restaurant menus. Cucumber cocktails are the epitome of refreshing: light, summery and hydrating.
It’s no wonder restaurants call these gin and lime numbers by other names, though. “Gimlet” sounds like “piglet” and, as such, doesn’t sound nearly sexy enough to describe this drink. Gimlets are composed of gin, lime juice and a touch of sweetener. Something magical happens when these basic ingredients are shaken with ice and strained into a martini glass.
I muddled cucumber and mint into my gimlet to make it extra enticing. The key to making this drink spectacular is to use good gin (preferably Hendrick’s, which has cucumber notes) and a good cucumber (peel it first in case the skin is bitter). Gin haters, you can substitute vodka, but gin is really lovely here. So, happy hour?
More Fresh Gin Cocktails to Enjoy
Cucumber Mint Gimlet
- Author:
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Total Time: 5 mins
- Yield: 1 1x
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: N/A
Learn how to make a refreshing cucumber and mint gimlet. This naturally sweetened cucumber cocktail is perfect for warm days.
Ingredients
Per cocktail
- 2-inch slice of peeled cucumber, halved and then quartered
- 10 mint leaves
- 1 ½ teaspoons light agave nectar or simple syrup
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 ½ ounces gin, preferably Hendrick’s
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, muddle the cucumber, mint and agave nectar until the cucumber offers no more resistance.
- Fill the shaker with ice, then pour in the lime juice and gin. Put the lid on your shaker and shake until the cocktail is thoroughly chilled, about 20 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into a martini glass. Garnish with a tiny sprig of mint, if you’d like.
Notes
Recipe adapted from my basil gimlet cocktail.
Preparation tips: If you’re going to be making a lot of these, you might want to make cucumber juice like I did in this watermelon-cucumber cocktail instead of muddling tons of cucumber.
Change it up: You can use vodka if you don’t like gin. Other ideas: substitute basil for mint, and/or add a little splash of St. Germain elderflower liqueur, and/or muddle some fresh jalapeño with the cucumber.
Vegetable enthusiast. Dog lover. I'm probably making a big mess in my Kansas City kitchen right now. 
Librarian Lavender
I love a good cocktail, so I’m very happy with this recipe!
★★★★★
Abby @ The Frosted Vegan
I’m allll for coming over and sitting outside while sipping this with you!
Amy @ Parsley In My Teeth
I’ll be right over! These sound like the perfect, light summer drink and are beautifully photographed!
Trisha
So pretty! I’ve got mint in my garden for this and I’m in need of something light but also alcoholic. I feel ya on the coffee and vacation too. :)
Kate
It’s meant to be!
Yez
Hmmmmm.. tastes unbalanced. Too much lime juice, not enough syrup and dare I say not enough gin. Will disclaim that I am making this in the tropics and got the lime from my back yard… so may be they are stronger than what you used?? At any rate, hits the right notes but I think I will adjust it next time…
★★
Kate
Hi Yez, I’m sorry you didn’t love this one. I appreciate your feedback.
Beth @ Tasty Yummies
OK without sounding like too much of a creep – I think we are the same human!
Yes to the vacation and to wanting a happy hour and for the rest of life to just stop for a little bit. A big yes to always wanting the cucumber cocktails, I seriously cannot resist them EVER. Lastly, I even like you, have always felt confused by the word “gimlet”. Get out of my head. Seriously.
Anyhow, I would LOVE to be sipping on one of these amazing cocktails today, this is just brilliant!
Kate
Haha, awesome! Glad we’re on the same page with this one, Beth. :)
Nicole
YES! I’m all about a good happy hour and this drink is perfect. Hendrick’s is my favorite gin, too. It’s like a vacation in a glass, right? And I’d totally sit on your patio and sip these with you ;)
Kate
Vacation in a glass, indeed! Wish you could come over and clink drinks with me!
Annie
Looks delicious! This would be a great way to use some of the mint from my herb garden and the local gin a friend recently gifted me!
Kate
Perfect! Enjoy!
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar
I’ve never had cucumber in a drink, but I know I’d like it! Love this!
Kate
Katrina, you have been missing out! Hope you’ll give a cucumber cocktail a try soon!
Eileen
I will be RIGHT OVER. These sound so refreshing! I have to admit that I used our first garden cucumbers for pickles, so I’m going to have to be patient for a few days to let the next one ripen before I can make this. :) But that will be just in time for the weekend!
Kate
Hope you love the gimlets, Eileen! I bet they will be extra refreshing with your fresh-from-the-garden cucumbers!
J.S. @ Sun Diego Eats
Gin pairs so well with more vegetable-y type cocktails, this would be so refreshing :) The other day I had a gin cocktail with mint and celery juice that was pretty amazing and I imagine would be similar-ish to this.
Kate
Oh, I’ve never tried a celery juice cocktail! I’m intrigued!
Pat McDowell
Me too, I love celery, and I also love cucumber and mint. And most definitely gin. In fact my gin and lime just disappeared and I have to go and replace it. Bye!
★★★★★
Sini | my blue&white kitchen
This is one of the most beautiful, chic, and classy looking cocktails I’ve ever seen. And you know what really bothers me? I’ve NEVER had a cucumber cocktail. Never ever. Need to finally go buy that bottle of gin. This needs to happen.
Kate
Thank you, Sini! And oh my, you need to try a cucumber cocktail. They are the epitome of refreshing.
Dixya @ Food, Pleasure, and Health
coming over. i will bring a cheese platter – friends?
Kate
Sounds great!
Kate @Almond Butter Binge
Oh man, I LOVE a good gimlet, especially in the summertime. Thank you so much for this recipe! Easy and yummy with a kick — my favorite kind of drink :)
Jenna
Yum, sounds perfect! Could you just use sugar in place of the agave or simple syrup? I don’t often have those two on hand.
Kate
Yes, you can! The only problem with using sugar is that it might not dissolve into your drink. You can make simple syrup out of sugar if you warm equal parts water and sugar together (or just shake them up in a jar until they combine).
kelsey
I’ll take two, please.
xo
Erin | The Law Student's Wife
Lady, you know I am in! PS. You have excellent taste in gin. I knew I liked you.
Kate
:)
Thalia @ butter and brioche
this looks so refreshing.. the perfect cocktail for summer! i could definitely kick back with one of these now!
Laura (Tutti Dolci)
Yes please, these look incredibly refreshing!
abby @ thingsforboys
Pour me one, I’m on the way!!
Kathryn
Pretty sure this is going to be my new summer cocktail of choice.
Laura @ Raise Your Garden
Stunning visual appeal! Put me in coach, I want one!
Bri | Bites of Bri
Keep making cocktails! I love this post and I’m good with cucumber drinks in the backyard. Sounds like the perfect summer happy hour.
Rob Gargett
I’ll be right over! Don’t give anyone else that other chair.
Gaby
I’ll come over for happy hour and have a glass!!
Kasey
Umm, I need all of those things, too. Pronto. Let’s drink together, shall we?
Kate
Yes, let’s! :)
erin {yummysupper}
Yes, please. I love gimlet and cucumbers and… I happen to have a cucumber gimlet recipe in my book;) We’re on the same page my friend!
Wouldn’t it be fun if we could drink gimlets together?
xoxoxo
E
Brenda @ a farmgirl's dabbles
Yes, please! This is one of my very favorite drinks. Gorgeous!
Kate
Thanks, Brenda! It reminds me of the drink I ordered at Zelo in MPLS while we were waiting for our table. Fun times!
Lisa @Garlic+Zest
Wow! This picture makes me feel parched and in need of refreshment. Thank you!
Medeja
Sounds refreshing!
Allison
I’m currently obsessed with cucumber-infused anything and need this gimlet asap! I had a G&T a couple of years ago with cucumber instead of lime and I felt uber sophisticated. This is bringing back fond memories :) Cheers to your superb summer bevvy and adorably retro glasses!
Danielle
Like you, I can never turn down a cucumber-flavored cocktail on a menu. Or one that has basil… or cilantro… That watermelon one you linked too looks delish as well!
Kate
Sounds like we have the same cocktail preferences! Cheers!
Joanne
Cucumber drinks make me feel all kinds of refreshed! Love the added mint to give that extra boost of freshness. Hope these took the edge off those technical difficulties!
Amy @ Thoroughly Nourished Life
I’ve made it to 27 and never had anything with gin in it. Is that time coming to an end? Why, yes, after seeing this, I believe it has. Happy Summer days Kate.
Kate
Whaaaat?! You’re overdue for a gin drink, Amy! Just don’t try gin with regular ol’ tonic. I thought for the longest time that I didn’t like gin, but it turns out I just don’t like the taste of cheap tonic water! Some of the new artisan tonic is pretty good, though. Cucumber is better. :)
Erin
I’m obsessed with those glasses – where did you find them?!
Kate
Hey Erin! Sorry, the glasses are vintage. I found them in my parent’s cabinet.
rhiannon
that sounds so delicious!!
Miss Lulu Darling
I am always up for trying new things !! Def adding this to my list :)
Barbara
I just discovered this site and loving it; it has souch a ‘good vibe’. Thank you.
★★★★★
Kate
Barbara, thank you! Hope you enjoy the recipes.
Carrie Pacini
Kate this Cucumber Mint Gimlet looks so refreshing.
Anne
Perfect for day drinking! Inspired me to purchase gin for the first time and am now tempted to wear Hendricks as perfume.
Kate
Hendricks perfume! Love it. Just don’t get pulled over while wearing. ;)
Nikki
Oh I need to try it! Such a nice summer drink and you have so many more awesome sounding gin drinks.
I love gin but most of the time I drink beer and all my friends too ;) so maybe it’s a good opportunity to buy some!
KD
Hi Kate,
Thanks for all the wonderful recipes and the time you invest.
Question–
Can I make this without the gin?
I don’t drink alcohol, do you have any suggestions for a replacement.
Thanks
KD
Kate
Hi KD, I suspect you could just use water instead! A simpler solution would be to toss a bunch of sliced cucumbers, limes and mint into a pitcher of water and let it infuse in the refrigerator.
sahvesays
Glad I saved this on Pinterest, just made and it using Minnesota made Solveig Gin and it is Amazing! pic is on Instagram – sahves
★★★★★
Kate
Awesome! Thanks, Sahvesays!
dja
Ooohhh they’re good…
Tried them a couple times. Both time a hit with guests. I highly recommend using high quality flavourful cucumbers to balance the mint. Added lychee fruit the last time, which provided an additional robust layer to an already divine cocktail.
Another recipe from Cookie and Kate I can recommend. Thanks for the fantastic website.
★★★★★
Kate
Thank you!!! So glad you’re enjoying these cocktails.
Marlene
A bit of St. Germain makes this recipe even more amazing.
Kate
I like the way you think, Marlene!
Amber
Mmm! Just made this and love it! There’s a restaurant in St. Augustine, FL that makes a Garden Gimlet that I LOVE and this tastes almost just like it (but theirs has a few other ingredients). Now I don’t have to pay 10 bucks for it!
I used a locally made gin and then topped it off with a little club soda to make it last longer :)
★★★★★
Kim
Greetings Cookie + Kate
I’ve just discovered your site (via Goop) and love it! Please can you tell me where you got the glasses from pictured in your Gimlet recipe?
Haola
Kim
★★★★★
Kate
Thanks, Kim! I didn’t know that Goop mentioned my site, now I’m off to go find the link! I hate to disappoint, but those are vintage glasses from my mom’s cabinet.
Kim
Hi Kate
I think I got it wrong – it was of course the S-Life magazine. However I was so impressed I sent your details to GOOP! You are my new favourite site.
Shame about the glasses, lucky you!
Haola
Kim
Angela Klein
Hi Kate! I love Hendricks. So it wasn’t hard to talk myself into purchasing a new bottle in honor of this drink. I’ve been anticipating making it for a few days Tried it with hubby & you get full marks!!! We’ve had nothing but rain in upstate NY so this went perfectly with our first nice sunshiny day. Will certanilny be making it again. Thank you
Kate
That’s a perfect way to celebrate a sunny day. I hope there are many more for you this week!
Kim ARgenzio
This was so delish. Thank you for sharing. Where did you get those beautiful glasses. I need them.
★★★★★
Hope
Add a splash of Champagne with or without the Elderflower and “Oh My”!!
★★★★★
Kate
Thanks, Hope!
Morven
A great tasting cocktail. Very nicely balanced flavours.
★★★★★
Kate
I’m glad you liked it! Thanks for the review.
Annabelle
4 years late to the cocktail party maybe but I don’t care. I love a gin cocktail and fancied something refreshing tonight so what better excuse to treat myself to a bottle of Hendricks. Deeee lish. This one’s a keeper!
★★★★
Kate
I’m glad you loved it! Never too late to enjoy. :)
Not meme Karen
Absolutely wonderful recipe! Thanks so much for posting this. I made my version with Keto simple syrup and you would never know it didn’t have sugar! Only problem with this is the desire to drink a gallon of it
Morven
Summer in a glass Just what you need to take your Hendricks up a notch.
★★★★★
Anna Allen
Where do I get those amazing cocktail glasses?! Please let me know:)
Kate
Hey Anna! I stole these from my parents’ cabinet, so I’m afraid they’re vintage. :)
Anna Allen
Well the drink was fabulous!!
Could you ask your lovely parents what is the name of the glasses you stole hehe:) I would like to research and find them.. that is what I have been on the search for!!:)
Thank you in advance!
★★★★★
Kate
Hey Anna, glad to hear it! I just double-checked and the glasses don’t have a brand name on them. You could try searching for “vintage coupe glasses set” on eBay or Etsy. These are made of glass, not crystal.
Dirk McElfresh
I invented some new drinks with tequila utilizing the muddled mint and strawberry’s. Next I’ll try it with cucumber . We grew spearmint, peppermint, orange mint and mojito mint in our herb garden. Great recipe 9 outa 10!
Cheryl
Such a deliciously refreshing cocktail! My one request would be a version designed for a group because this feels a little time intensive for the small drink it makes, and once one comes out, everyone wants one!
★★★★★
Sue Holland
I was so excited for this recipe, I was testing it for a small gathering and so I decided to follow your juicing instructions for the cucumber and mint and I think that’s where the problem lay. I found it tasted bitter not fresh. I think muddling it would have been much better.
★★★
Gina
I was looking for something refreshing made with Gin and Cucumbers.
When this came up it sounded great. It was in fact both refreshing & delicious. My new favorite!
★★★★★
Kate
That’s great! Thank you for sharing, Gina. I appreciate your review.