There's absolutely no limits in the world of mixology, where you can even bring the garden to the beverage such as with drinks like the cucumber martini. Light and refreshing, cucumbers are a perfect pairing for people who don't want to mask the flavor of their spirits. Take a look at how to make the perfect cucumber martini as well as for unique ways to personalize the popular cocktail.
Cucumber Martini Recipe
The original Cucumber Martini is incredibly easy to make; simply follow a traditional gin martini recipe and add cucumbers to the mix.
Ingredients
- 3 ounces dry gin
- Splash dry vermouth
- 5 slices cucumber, 1 for garnish
- Ice
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the gin, vermouth, and cucumbers.
- Add ice and shake until chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a cucumber slice.
Cucumber Martini Variations
Of course, sometimes you're in the mood for something a little off the beaten the path, and these slight variations on the original cucumber martini recipe are sure to satisfy everyone's cravings.
Cucumber Basil Martini
Cucumber and basil are often paired together in delicious dishes, but you can join the two in cocktails as well. Simply muddle basil leaves and cucumbers with some simple syrup and your spirits, and you'll have yourself a delicious cucumber basil martini.
Ingredients
- 4 slices of cucumbers
- 4 basil leaves
- ½ ounce simple syrup
- 2 ounces gin
- Splash dry vermouth
- Ice
- Cucumber ribbons for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the cucumber slices, basil leaves, and simple syrup and muddle them together.
- Pour in the gin and vermouth.
- Add ice and shake until chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass and garnish with cucumber ribbons.
Cucumber Melon Martini
Cucumber melon is an incredibly popular flavor and aromatic pairing, which only makes it appropriate that it has been combined into an incredible cocktail recipe.
Ingredients
- ½ ounce simple syrup
- 3 slices of cucumbers
- 2 ounces melon vodka
- Ice
- Cucumber ribbons for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the simple syrup, cucumber slices, and melon vodka.
- Add ice and shake until chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass and garnish with cucumber ribbons.
Cucumber Salad Martini
Inspired by the many vintage cucumber salad recipes, this cucumber salad martini combines cucumbers, dill sprigs, lemon juice, and spirits to make the healthiest cocktail you'll ever drink.
Ingredients
- 5 slices cucumber, 2 for garnish
- 2 sprigs of dill
- ¼ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 ounces gin
- Splash dry vermouth
- Ice
- Baby tomatoes for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add three cucumber slices, the sprigs of dill, and the lemon juice and muddle.
- Pour in the gin and vermouth and shake until chilled.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a cocktail spear full of baby tomatoes and cucumber slices.
Vodka Cucumber Martini
If you're not a huge fan of the woodsy aroma of gin, you can always substitute your favorite brand of vodka to this traditional recipe and create a vodka cucumber martini.
Ingredients
- 3 ounces cucumber vodka (Also used in other cucumber vodka drinks)
- Splash dry vermouth
- Ice
- Cucumber slice for garnish
Instructions
- In a mixing glass, combine cucumber vodka and vermouth.
- Add ice and stir to chill.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a cucumber slice.
Spicy Cucumber Martini
For those who like a little heat, try this spicy cucumber martini, which includes a spicy chili powder rim.
Ingredients
- Chili powder and coarse salt for garnish
- Lime wedge for garnish
- ½ ounce simple syrup
- ½ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 ounces cucumber vodka
- Ice
Instructions
- Swipe a lime wedge around the rim of a chilled martini glass and dip into a plate full of chili powder and salt to coat the rim. Set aside.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the simple syrup, lime juice, and vodka.
- Add ice and shake until chilled.
- Strain the mixture into the martini glass and serve.
How to Garnish With a Cucumber
Since cucumbers are such an integral part of this cocktail, it's only natural that you would also incorporate them as garnishes. While you can simply hang a cucumber slice over the edge of a glass, there are tons of other creative ways to transform garnish cucumbers into stunning works of art.
- Cut a chunky wedge of cucumber with the peel on (it will look somewhat like a lime) and hang on the edge of the glass. You can even score the outside of the cucumber with a fork before slicing to create more attractive slices.
- Using a potato peeler, slice a long, thin piece of cucumber that you can float in the glass or pierce it with a toothpick, folding it up like a ribbon.
- Cut spears of cucumbers (quartered like pickle spears) and place in the glass. This works best if you are serving your martini on the rocks.
- Use a melon baller to create cucumber balls. Load a couple on a toothpick to resemble green olives.
- To add a little heat, sprinkle a cucumber slice with paprika and salt the rim of the martini glass.
- Don't waste anything: you can also use the cucumber peels as garnishes as well.
Feel Light and Fresh With Cucumber Cocktails
Cucumber's light flavor makes it an undervalued ingredient in the kitchen, but it's these characteristics that make it integral to concocting easy and delicious cocktails. Whether you're inspired to try growing cucumbers on your own or you get yours from the local farmer's market, make sure to save some to use in your new cucumber martini recipes.
