11 Best Cocktails to Make with Cucumbers
Cool, crisp, and refreshing: the best cucumber cocktails to elevate your happy hour. Our favourite 11 cocktails below.
Originating in India over 3000 years ago, cucumbers might not be your first port of call for a cocktail other than a garnish of herbal compliment to a classic Gin & Tonic, however, cucumbers can be a refreshing and crisp addition that offers a subtle sweetness to compliment the bold flavors of a cocktail. Whether muddled, infused, or simply used as a garnish, cucumbers bring a light, vegetal quality to drinks, making them a popular ingredient in cocktails designed to quench thirst and balance strong spirits
In general cucumbers work particularly well with botanical spirits like gin, tequila, and vodka, adding a clean, grassy note that contrasts beautifully with sharp citrus or sweet mixers. The slight bitterness from natural compounds found in cucumbers, called cucurbitacins, gives cucumbers a unique complexity that pairs well with aromatic herbs, zesty lime, and refreshing sodas.
This balance between the vegetal flavors of cucumber and the sharper, more robust elements of spirits is what makes cucumber cocktails so appealing - especially in warm weather, when a drink that cools and refreshes is often called upon.
There’s been a trend and rise in contemporary mixology recently with a demand for lighter, fresher cocktails, and cucumber has become an often go-to ingredient in modern cocktail culture. The versatility of cucumber allows it to shine in a wide range of drinks, from elegant martinis and zesty margaritas to bubbly champagne cocktails and even non-alcoholic options. Whether you’re a fan of classics or more adventurous concoctions, cucumber cocktails offer a sophisticated yet approachable twist on traditional favorites.
In this article we deep dive into our 11 best cocktails to make with cucumbers, and also suggest some food pairings to go along with each cocktail. From the vodka-based Cucumber Martini to refreshing Cucumber Margarita, each cocktail on this list highlights the unique, cooling properties of cucumber. Whether you're a fan of gin, tequila, whiskey, or something bubbly, there's a cucumber cocktail here to elevate your next happy hour.
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Features 11 cocktails
1. Cucumber Martini
The Cucumber Martini is a refreshing twist on the classic martini, where cucumber adds a crisp, cooling balance to the sharpness of vodka. Muddling fresh cucumber with lime juice brings a garden-fresh, vegetal note that pairs perfectly with the smooth spirit. The cucumber helps mellow the alcohol, making the martini lighter and more refreshing without losing its sophisticated edge. Ideal for warm evenings or outdoor gatherings, this cocktail is both elegant and revitalizing, offering a clean, refreshing finish that lingers just enough to keep you wanting more.
Food Pairing: Light seafood dishes such as oysters, shrimp cocktails, or smoked salmon. The cool, crisp notes of cucumber complement the brininess of seafood, creating a refreshing balance. You could also serve with sushi, especially cucumber rolls, which echo the cocktail’s flavors.
Ingredients
Method
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- Muddle fresh cucumber slices with lime juice and simple syrup in a shaker
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- Add gin or vodka and ice, and shake well
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- Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a cucumber slice
2. Cucumber Margarita
The Cucumber Margarita is a modern take on the traditional margarita, swapping the usual citrus-heavy profile for a more mellow, refreshing flavor. The tequila’s earthy, robust character is perfectly balanced by the crispness of cucumber, creating a lighter yet flavorful drink. Muddling cucumber with lime juice adds a refreshing brightness that pairs beautifully with the tartness of the lime and the smoothness of the tequila. This cucumber twist offers a margarita that feels less sweet but more refined, making it a perfect choice for poolside lounging or casual parties.
Food Pairing: Mexican cuisine, especially dishes with a citrusy or spicy edge, like fish tacos, ceviche, or guacamole with tortilla chips. The cucumber’s freshness tempers spicy dishes, while the lime in both the food and the drink creates harmony.
Ingredients
Method
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- Muddle cucumber slices with lime juice and agave syrup in a shaker
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- Add tequila and ice, and shake well
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- Strain into a glass with ice and garnish with a cucumber slice
3. Cucumber Mule
The Cucumber Mule adds a refreshing twist to the traditional Moscow Mule by introducing cucumber’s cool, crisp flavor. In this version, muddled cucumber softens the sharp bite of ginger beer, while vodka and lime juice maintain the drink's classic structure. The cucumber’s subtle flavor complements the spiciness of ginger, making this cocktail incredibly refreshing. Served in a tall glass over ice, it’s an ideal drink for summer, offering a cool, revitalizing sip with a perfect balance of spice and crisp freshness.
Food Pairing: Grilled meats like chicken skewers or pork chops with a ginger glaze, which complement the ginger beer in the mule. The cucumber in the cocktail provides a refreshing counterbalance to the richness of the grilled meat.
Ingredients
Method
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- Muddle cucumber slices in a shaker, then add vodka and lime juice
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- Shake with ice and strain into a glass filled with ice
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- Top with ginger beer and garnish with a cucumber slice
4. Pimms and Lemonade
Pimms and Lemonade is the quintessential British summer cocktail, and cucumber plays a crucial role in enhancing its refreshing nature. Pimm’s No. 1, with its blend of herbs and spices, pairs with lemonade, mint, strawberries, and cucumber to create a light, fruity drink. The cucumber adds a cool, crisp note that balances the sweetness of the fruit and lemonade, making it feel hydrating and refreshing on hot days. Perfect for garden parties or picnics, this classic pitcher cocktail offers a flavorful yet light drinking experience.
Food Pairing: Classic British summer fare such as finger sandwiches, sausage rolls, and fresh fruit salads. The lightness of cucumber pairs well with these picnic-style foods, while the fruit and herbs in the cocktail complement a mixed fruit or green salad.
Ingredients
Method
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- Add ice to a jug and half-fill with the Pimms, then top up with lemonade
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- Add mint, sliced strawberries and sliced cucumber
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- Stir and serve
5. Eastern Standard
The Eastern Standard is a refreshing gin cocktail that highlights the crisp, clean flavors of cucumber, mint, and lime. Muddled cucumber adds a cool, vegetal layer to the botanicals of the dry gin, while mint and lime provide freshness and balance. A touch of sugar syrup rounds out the flavors, creating a cocktail that is both light and sophisticated. The cucumber elevates this drink, making it ideal for warm weather or cocktail parties where something fresh and herbaceous is desired.
Food Pairing: Herbaceous dishes such as grilled chicken with a mint and cucumber salad, or dishes that incorporate fresh herbs like basil or cilantro. The herbal notes in the cocktail are enhanced by these fresh, green flavors, creating a cohesive dining experience.
Ingredients
Method
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- Start by gently mashing the cucumber at the bottom of your cocktail shaker to release its flavor
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- Next, pour the remaining ingredients into the shaker on top of the cucumber
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- Add ice to the mix and give it a vigorous shake for about 10-15 seconds, or until you notice the shaker's surface has frosted over
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- Finish by straining the mixture into a chilled glass to ensure a smooth drink without any ice chips or cucumber bits
6. The Robust Splurge
The Robust Splurge is a bold cocktail that blends whiskey, tequila, gin, and blue curaçao with refreshing pineapple sorbet and cucumber peel. The cucumber helps tone down the bold flavors of the multiple spirits, adding a cooling, crisp element that keeps the drink from being overwhelming. Despite its strong ingredients, the cucumber brings balance and freshness to the drink, making it more approachable. With its sweet and strong flavor profile, The Robust Splurge is an energetic cocktail that stands out as a unique creation.
Food Pairing: Rich, hearty foods like BBQ ribs, spicy wings, or a charcuterie board with strong cheeses and cured meats. The cucumber in the cocktail refreshes the palate, while the boldness of the drink stands up to the robust flavors of the food.
Ingredients
Method
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- First component is the pineapple sorbet balls that need to be prepared 48hours before serving
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- On serving day, grab a wide bottom stem/stemless glass, fill it with three frozen sorbet balls which will also play the role of ice
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- Surround the inner glass with a cucumber peel
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- Pop blueberries and lemon slices onto a skewer and drop a few into the glass
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- Add 2 shots of whiskey, 2 shots of gin and 2 shots of tequila
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- Finish off with grenadine and blue curacao and lay the skewer across your glass rim and serve
7. Sapphire Summer Cup
The Sapphire Summer Cup is a gin-based cocktail that bursts with summer flavors, including cucumber, mint, and fruit. Cucumber plays a key role in balancing the sweetness of the triple sec and citrus fruits, adding a cool, crisp note that enhances the botanicals of the gin. The cucumber slices not only add flavor but also contribute to the drink's refreshing nature, making it perfect for summer parties or outdoor gatherings. Light and flavorful, the Sapphire Summer Cup is an ideal warm-weather cocktail.
Food Pairing: Grilled fish or chicken with citrus-infused marinades, or a summer vegetable salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta cheese. The light, fresh ingredients in the dish mirror the cucumber and gin notes in the cocktail, while citrusy flavors enhance the drink’s botanicals.
Ingredients
Method
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- Add the fruit to a glass along with the alcoholic ingredients, and sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavour to infuse
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- Serve over a generous serving of ice and spritz with ginger ale before stirring
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- Garnish with more strawberries, mint, cucumber and lemon, and serve
8. Greenhouse
The Greenhouse cocktail is a refreshing, citrus-forward drink that combines gin, lemon, honey, and cucumber for a bright, herbal experience. Cucumber’s cooling qualities play off the sharpness of lemon and the sweetness of honey, creating a well-rounded flavor profile. The cucumber keeps the drink light and refreshing, while the gin provides a botanical backbone. Ideal for summertime, this cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a crisp, herbal drink with a touch of sweetness and freshness.
Food Pairing: Vegetarian dishes like a fresh tabbouleh salad or a quinoa bowl with cucumbers, tomatoes, and mint. The cucumber in the cocktail pairs well with light, healthy dishes, and the lemon in both the drink and the food creates a bright, cohesive flavor profile.
Ingredients
Method
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- Muddle three cucumber slices with three lemon slices
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- Add in the gin and six mint leaves, along with a teaspoon of honey
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- Fill the glass with crushed ice and stir vigorously
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- Garnish with some mint, a lemon slice and a cucumber slice, and serve
9. Eastside Gimlet
The Eastside Gimlet is a refreshing twist on the classic gimlet, incorporating cucumber and mint to add a cool, herbaceous flavor. Dry gin serves as the base, while the cucumber’s mild, fresh taste balances the tartness of lime juice. Mint and sugar syrup bring a hint of sweetness and complexity to the drink, making it both light and sophisticated. The cucumber’s cooling qualities make the Eastside Gimlet an ideal choice for those who enjoy gin but want a more refreshing, summery cocktail.
Food Pairing: Grilled lamb chops with mint pesto or Middle Eastern mezze platters that include cucumber-heavy dips like tzatziki. The cucumber and mint in the drink pair beautifully with these Mediterranean flavors, making for a refreshing and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Method
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- Begin by gently muddling the cucumber in the bottom of the shaker to release its flavors
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- Next, pour in the gin, lime juice, sugar syrup, and add some fresh mint leaves
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- Now, shake everything together with ice for about 10-15 seconds, or until the shaker feels frosty on the outside
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- Using a fine mesh strainer, pour the mixture into a chilled glass to ensure a smooth drink
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- Finish by topping off the glass with a splash of soda water for some fizz
10. Ace Royal
The Ace Royal is a champagne-based cocktail that uses cucumber to add a fresh twist to its bubbly, effervescent profile. Cucumber slices, paired with basil, infuse the drink with a light, refreshing flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of prosecco or champagne. The cucumber’s clean, crisp notes enhance the sparkling wine, making this drink a perfect option for celebrations or warm-weather sipping. Light, refreshing, and elegant, the Ace Royal is a chic cocktail with a cool, fresh finish.
Food Pairing: Light appetizers like bruschetta with tomato and basil, or goat cheese crostini with a drizzle of honey. The sparkling nature of the drink complements the light, airy quality of these appetizers, while the cucumber and basil in the cocktail harmonize with the fresh, herbal flavors of the food.
Ingredients
Method
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- Muddle the basil leaves with the sugar syrup and lime juice directly into the serving glass, then drop in two slices of cucumber
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- Stir to combine slightly before topping up with the champagne and serving
11. Gin and Cucumber
The Gin and Cucumber cocktail is a simple yet refreshing blend that highlights the cool, crisp qualities of cucumber alongside the botanical complexity of gin. Cucumber slices are muddled with lemon juice and sugar syrup, adding a fresh, vegetal flavor that balances the sharpness of the gin. Topped with tonic water, this drink is light, effervescent, and perfect for hot days. The cucumber not only adds flavor but also a touch of sophistication, making this cocktail an easy yet elegant option for any occasion.
Food Pairing: Fresh salads with ingredients like arugula, goat cheese, and cucumbers, or light, grilled seafood such as shrimp skewers. The cocktail’s botanical complexity pairs well with fresh, green flavors, and the cucumber ties the meal and drink together for a clean, crisp experience.
Ingredients
Method
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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
Conclusion
Incorporating cucumber into cocktails is an easy way to elevate classic drinks with a crisp, refreshing twist. Whether it's a simple gin and tonic or a more complex margarita, the cool, vegetal flavor of cucumber provides balance to stronger spirits, making these cocktails perfect for warm-weather sipping or any occasion that calls for something light and revitalizing.
From vodka-based martinis to tequila margaritas and even champagne-infused cocktails, cucumber’s versatility allows it to shine across a wide range of drinks. It pairs beautifully with citrus, botanicals, and herbs, adding depth and complexity to each sip. These 11 cucumber cocktails are not only delicious but also visually stunning, making them great choices for parties or special gatherings.
No matter your spirit of choice, there's a cucumber cocktail on this list for you. Try pairing these drinks with light, refreshing foods for a complete sensory experience that highlights the unique characteristics of each cocktail. With cucumber at the forefront, you're guaranteed to enjoy a vibrant, fresh twist on your favorite drinks.
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