We’re thrilled to share with you one of our most beloved cocktails in recent times – the refreshing cucumber gimlet. This simplicity-sealing recipe boasts only a handful of ingredients and is effortlessly crafted. While we did opt to create our own homemade cucumber infused gin for this concoction, feel free to substitute it with store-bought cucumber gin if that’s more your speed.
What’s more, this revitalizing cocktail is perfect for sipping on a sweltering summer day or enjoying year-round, depending on your mood.
About the limes
While limes are available year-round, their peak season in the southern United States runs from May to October. Our recent purchase of limes for this recipe yielded some surprisingly fresh and flavorful ones, despite not being the most visually appealing. In fact, we discovered that when it comes to choosing limes, beauty isn’t everything. A bright green lime may be more tart than a slightly yellowed one, which can actually work in your favor depending on the desired level of tartness.
According to our research, learning how to pick out limes can make all the difference in achieving the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. Our experience with these particular limes proved that a sweeter lime can even enhance the overall flavor of a cocktail.
Should you shake or stir the gimlet?
The age-old debate about whether to shake or stir a gimlet can be settled with one simple consideration: the type of lime juice used. When it’s fresh and unsweetened, there’s a good reason to shake it – the pulp from the lime can make it harder to combine the gin and juice thoroughly. However, if you’re using sweetened or pre-prepared lime juice, stirring is likely sufficient.
Our recipe specifically recommends shaking the ingredients together in a cocktail shaker, as this allows for effective mixing of the flavors.
Cucumber infused gin
In our take on a refreshing summer cocktail, we opted to create our own homemade cucumber-infused gin from scratch. The process was surprisingly straightforward and yielded a delightful flavor profile that’s perfect for warm weather. While using pre-made infused gin is an option, we found that the quality of the base spirit can significantly impact the overall taste experience.
With the gin serving as the main attraction in this recipe, it’s worth investing in a high-quality product to elevate the final result.
Lime juice
While you can use any lime juice you have available, we’re big proponents of having a reliable store-bought option like Aldi’s bulk supply on hand. The convenience and consistency it offers can’t be beat. Of course, there are times when the extra effort is worth it – like when juicing citrus fruits from scratch. However, in our recipe, we decided to strike a balance between the two by using a combination of bottled lime juice and freshly squeezed lime juice as a garnish.
The addition of that fresh squeeze really did elevate the flavor to a new level, providing a bright and zesty note that added a lot of character to the dish.
Simple syrup
While making simple syrup at home is a straightforward process, there are some trade-offs to consider. On the negative side, you’ll need a dedicated container to store your homemade syrup and its shelf life will be shorter due to the lack of preservatives. However, the upside is that you can have freshly made syrup ready in just a few minutes. We recently used our homemade simple syrup to create a refreshing cucumber gimlet recipe – feel free to try it out using our simple syrup recipe!
How to make this Cucumber Gimlet
To begin, gather all the necessary ingredients and combine them in a cocktail shaker. If you don’t have one of these handy devices, a mason jar with a secure lid will do in a pinch. The goal is to seal the container tightly to prevent any unwanted spills or messes – trust us, you won’t want to clean up after a rogue cocktail shake! With the ingredients safely contained, proceed to place the lid on the shaker and give it a good vigorous shake to combine all the flavors and textures.
Once the mixture is well-combined, strain it into a coupe glass to present your delicious creation in its finest form.
Supplies to gather
When it comes to crafting the perfect cocktail, having the right tools is essential. A well-stocked arsenal of mixology essentials can elevate your drink-making game and ensure that every sip is a delight. For starters, you’ll want a reliable cocktail shaker to combine and chill ingredients with ease. Next up, a trusty measuring glass will help you precision-pour your way to the perfect pour. Jiggers are also a must-have for those precise measurements.
And don’t forget about the importance of a good strainer to keep those pesky ice cubes out of your drink. When it’s time to serve, you’ll want coupe glasses at the ready to showcase your creations in style. For more hands-on prep, a short or paring knife and cutting board combo will come in handy for muddling herbs and other prep work. Finally, don’t overlook the humble medium bowl – perfect for whipping up those egg whites or mixing up a batch of cocktail picks.
With these essentials at your disposal, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a master mixologist.
The bottom line
One of my go-to cocktails, this delightful Cucumber Gimlet is all the more reason to craft your own cucumber-infused gin at home. If you’re hosting a gathering or soiree, consider serving this revitalizing drink as a warm welcome for your guests.
