Gin and Cucumber Cocktail recipe
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Gin and Cucumber is a bright, garden-fresh highball that leans into gin’s long-running partnership with crisp, cooling garnishes and sparkling mixers. While it doesn’t have a single, widely agreed origin story, it fits neatly into the modern “refreshing gin and tonic” family—built for warm weather, easy sipping, and showcasing clean, aromatic spirits with a lift of citrus and fizz.
You’ll find the gin’s botanicals set the backbone, while lemon juice brings a sharp, mouthwatering snap. Sugar or simple syrup smooths the edges, rounding the citrus so it tastes zesty rather than sour. Tonic water stretches everything into a long, sparkling drink, adding a clean bitterness that keeps the sweetness in check. Cucumber slices thread through the glass with a cool, watery freshness that softens the gin and makes each sip feel lighter.
Served in a hurricane glass, this is a tall, crowd-pleasing refresher for sunny afternoons, barbecues, and casual get-togethers. It suits you if you like your drinks crisp and citrusy with plenty of bubbles, and it’s especially satisfying when you want something gin-forward without feeling heavy.
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Hurricane glass
Ingredients
Cocktail Colin says:
Gin leads with juniper and botanicals, brightened by sharp lemon juice and softened by simple syrup, while tonic water adds brisk bitterness and fizz and cucumber slices bring a cool, watery snap through the finish. The citrus-sugar balance keeps the gin from feeling harsh, and the cucumber freshness lifts the tonic’s bite, making it ideal for highball fans who like crisp, refreshing drinks with a lightly bitter edge.
Method
How to make a Gin and Cucumber
- Gin 60ml, Lemon juice 30ml, Sugar / simple syrup 15ml, Tonic water 300ml, Cucumber 5 slices
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- Muddle three slices of cucumber in the bottom of a shaker, add the gin, lemon juice and sugar syrup
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- Shake vigorously for 15 seconds
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- Add ice and the last two slices of cucumber to a hurricane glass, and strain the cocktail into glass
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- Top up with tonic water and serve
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FAQ's
What's the best way to combine the ingredients for a Gin and Cucumber cocktail?
The Gin and Cucumber cocktail is ideally made by shaking the lemon juice, gin, and sugar syrup with ice until well chilled. Then, strain the mix into a hurricane glass filled with fresh ice, top off with tonic water, and gently stir. The cucumbers are added last as a garnish or can be muddled at the beginning for extra flavor.
How can I enhance the presentation of my Gin and Cucumber cocktail?
To enhance the presentation, consider using thin cucumber slices or ribbons along the inside of the glass for a visually appealing effect. Additionally, a lemon wheel or a sprig of fresh mint can add a pop of color and refreshment to the cocktail's appearance.
Can I use something else instead of tonic water in a Gin and Cucumber cocktail?
Yes, if you want to substitute tonic water, sparkling water is a great alternative for a less sweet version. For a different twist, try using ginger ale to add a spicy note to the cocktail.
Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Gin and Cucumber cocktail?
For a non-alcoholic variation, you can replace the gin with a non-alcoholic spirit or cucumber-infused water. Keep the rest of the ingredients the same and adjust the sugar syrup to taste. This will give you a refreshing drink without the alcohol content.
What's the ideal setting or occasion to serve a Gin and Cucumber cocktail?
The Gin and Cucumber cocktail, with its refreshing elements, is particularly suited for warm weather occasions such as summer parties, garden gatherings, or as a relaxing drink by the pool. Its cool and refreshing taste makes it a great choice for day events or anytime you're looking for a light, revitalizing alcoholic beverage.
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