Cucumber Vodka Gimlet recipe (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Anna · This post may contain affiliate links, which means we make a small commission off items you purchase at no additional cost to you.

Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

Beat the heat with this refreshing, produce-packed co*cktail! This Cucumber Vodka Gimlet is a flavorful twist on a classic drink. Easy to make (less than 5 minutes!), this smooth sipper is made with vodka and loaded with fresh from the garden ingredients like cucumber, basil and a splash of lime juice.

this recipe

Quench your thirst when the weather heats up with this Cucumber Vodka Gimlet recipe. Brimming with garden fresh flavors like cucumber and basil, this easy, refreshing drink is a slightly sweeter cousin to the martini and perfect for lazy summer nights on the patio.

Jump to:
  • What makes this co*cktail unique
  • What is a gimlet co*cktail?
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • FAQs
  • Expert tips for making this Cucumber Vodka Gimlet recipe
  • More vodka drinks
  • Recipe

What makes this co*cktail unique

  • Traditional gimlets use gin, but this smooth vodka version relies fresh & flavorful ingredients like basil, cucumber and lime juice instead of preserved, syrupy lime cordial.
  • A purist may claim that gimlets should always be served straight up, but this gimlet drink is equally as refreshing on the rocks (plus it stays colder longer when served over ice!).

What is a gimlet co*cktail?

A gimlet is a simple co*cktail usually made with gin and something called Rose’s Lime Juice.

Note: Never heard of Rose’s Lime Juice? It’s a sweetened, preserved lime juice that you will often find next to the grenadine in the liquor store. It has an almost electric green color. You can’t miss it - literally.

History mentions that gimlet co*cktails originated with British sailors in the 19th century. The ship doctor encouraged his shipmates to add this preserved lime juice to their gin because it was thought to prevent scurvy.

This “medicine” became more socially popular in the 1950’s after a fiction author named Raymond Chandler made it the drink of choice for the detective in his novels.

Cucumber Vodka Gimlet recipe (2)

Ingredients

No offense to traditional gimlet lovers, but I'm not a fan of Rose's Lime Juice. So this Cucumber Gimlet uses vodka instead of gin and incorporates fresh ingredients:

Cucumber Vodka Gimlet recipe (3)

Instructions

You can easily make this drink in a mason jar:

Cucumber Vodka Gimlet recipe (4)

Steps 1 - 2: Muddle cucumber and basil.

Cucumber Vodka Gimlet recipe (5)

Steps 3-5: Add liquid ingredients.

Cucumber Vodka Gimlet recipe (6)

Steps 6-7: Shake for 30 seconds and strain into glass.

FAQs

Can I use gin instead of vodka in this gimlet drink?


Yes, you can! Since gin has a more distinct flavor, your drink will taste more like a traditional gimlet but be just as delicious as the vodka version.

Can I use a different herb besides basil?


Mint would also be tasty! Or omit the herbs entirely, though I recommend trying it with the herbs first. They give the drink a subtle flavor that really makes every sip well-rounded.

Can you make this cucumber gimlet without alcohol?


If you prefer an alcohol free version of this gimlet, simply replace the vodka with sparkling water and add a bit more simple syrup.

Cucumber Vodka Gimlet recipe (7)

Expert tips for making this Cucumber Vodka Gimlet recipe

  • Muddling 101: Although it may seem like extra, you should muddle the cucumber before the basil. Why? Muddling is more than just pulverizing fruit/vegetables or herbs into mush. There is actually a science to muddling that is critical to the taste of your co*cktail.
    • The first thing to know is there aretwo different muddlers for fresh fruit/vegetables and herbs: a toothed muddler for fruits and a blunt muddler for herbs. A quality muddler will have a toothed end and a blunt end, eliminating the need for two separate muddlers (thismuddleris our favorite).
    • The cucumber needs more pressure than delicate herbs souse the toothed end in a pressing and twisting motion to release its juices.
    • Herbs require a lighter touch.Use the blunt end of the muddler to gently press and bruise the fresh basilto release its oils and flavors. The key is to use a gentle touch. If you use too much pressure, you will crush and tear the leaves and they will become bitter in the drink.
  • Because this drink is often served straight up, make sure you shake vigorously for at least 30 seconds to thoroughly chill the drink before straining into the glass. Of course, you can also serve this on the rocks if you prefer. Both options are equally refreshing!
  • The recipe can be easily multiplied to make enough for a crowd. Plus it keeps well in the fridge if made in advance - a bonus when entertaining.Simply set out a pitcher filled with the co*cktail along with glasses and drink garnishes like extra cucumber and basil and let guests serve themselves. I like to keep a long-handled stirring spoon in the pitcher so guests can quickly re-stir the co*cktail before pouring.

More vodka drinks

  • Elderflower Gin Gimlet
  • Vodka Strawberry co*cktails
  • Bootlegger Drink

Or check out all of our co*cktail recipes in our archives!

Did you make this recipe? We'd love to hear your thoughts! Please rate the recipe and leave a comment below. Your feedback helps us and your fellow readers! 

Recipe

Cucumber Vodka Gimlet recipe (11)

Cucumber Vodka Gimlet recipe

Garnish With Lemon

Brimming with garden fresh flavors like cucumber and basil, this easy, refreshing drink is a slightly sweeter cousin to the martini and perfect for lazy summer nights on the patio.

4.84 from 25 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course Vodka

Cuisine American

Servings 1 co*cktail

Calories 234 kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 thick slices cucumber cut into chunks
  • 4 fresh basil leaves
  • 2 ½ ounces vodka
  • 1 ounce simple syrup
  • ¾ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice

Instructions

  • Place cucumber in a mason jar or co*cktail shaker. Muddle well. Add basil and gently muddle again.

  • Add ice, vodka, simple syrup and lime juice to the jar, cover and shake vigorously for at least 30 seconds.

  • Strain gimlet into a chilled coupe glass or lowball glass filled with ice. Garnish with fresh basil and cucumber, if desired.

Notes

  • Not a vodka fan? Use gin instead. Or make it non-alcoholic by swapping the vodka for sparkling water and adjusting the simple syrup to taste.
  • Make your own simple syrup at home! It's easy and much cheaper than buying it at the store.
  • Use the toothed end of a muddler to muddle the cucumber and the flat or rounded end to gently muddle the basil.
  • Want to try a different herb? Mint is a tasty substitute for the basil.
  • Serve a crowd by multiplying the ingredients by the number of guests. Make ahead up to 8 hour ahead of time and keep it in a pitcher in the fridge until party time. Stir well before serving.

VIDEO

Nutrition

Serving: 1co*cktailCalories: 234kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 1gSodium: 4mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15g

Nutrition info not guaranteed to be accurate.

Did you make this recipe?Tag us on Instagram or leave a comment!

« Tequila Mojito

Bootlegger Drink »

Cucumber Vodka Gimlet recipe (12)

About Anna

Hi, I’m Anna, a former corporate communications nerd turned food fanatic. Turns out I like cooking for others A LOT more than explaining HR policies to them. C’mon over!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Cucumber Vodka Gimlet recipe (13)Hef Matthews says

    I added a tiny amount of Thai Chili Pepper to this to give it a kick. Delicious.

    Reply

  2. Cucumber Vodka Gimlet recipe (14)kim leonhardt says

    I would like this recipe for mixing in a large gallon container.
    Thank you

    Reply

    • Cucumber Vodka Gimlet recipe (15)Anna says

      Hi Kim, you can easily multiply the recipe to get whatever number of servings you need. I hope your guests love it!

      Reply

Rate the Recipe, Leave a Comment or Share a Tip!

Cucumber Vodka Gimlet recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is a vodka gimlet made of? ›

Vodka, fresh lime juice and simple syrup are all you need to make a vodka gimlet. Simply combine the ingredients into a shaker filled with ice. Then shake vigorously and strain into a glass. Because the botanicals of gin feature prominently in the traditional gimlet, choose your vodka with care.

How do you make Stone Barrington's vodka gimlet? ›

Stone Barrington Freezer Door Gimlet

Pour six ounces from a 750 ml. bottle of vodka (you'll think of something to do with it), and replace with Rose's Sweetened Lime Juice, and a tiny bit of water. Shake, and put in the freezer overnight. The water will create ice shards.

What is the co*cktail with gin and cucumber called? ›

The Cucumber & Rose Collins is a riff on the 19th-century classic Tom Collins which combines gin, lemon juice, sugar and club soda. Created by bartending vet Charlotte Voisey, this twist is a combination of Hendrick's gin, fresh cucumber and lemon juice, and rose syrup.

Is a vodka gimlet a well drink? ›

What are common well drinks? Vodka soda, vodka cranberry screwdriver, Moscow mule, dirty Shirley, madras, kamikaze, gin and tonic, gin buck, gimlet, Cuba libre, daiquiri, mojito, dark and stormy, margarita, tequila sunrise, whiskey sour, whiskey and co*ke, and Long Island iced tea.

Do you shake or stir a gimlet? ›

The Gimlet is classically stirred but once you've added fresh citrus juice (unless you've clarified your juice) even if stirred this co*cktail won't be perfectly clear. So do as Harry Craddock directs in his 1930 Savoy co*cktail Book and use some elbow grease to shake and invigorate this upper deck's co*cktail.

How do you make brio cucumber basil gimlet? ›

CUCUMBER BASIL LIME GIMLET Brio Tuscan Grille | 2T diced cucumber, 2 basil leaves, 1oz simple syrup, 4oz vodka or gin, 2oz lemon juice, 2oz lime juice, 1 dash Angostura bitters. Muddle cucumber & basil. Add ice, simple syrup, vodka or gin, lemon juice, lime juice, and bitters.

What are co*cktail cucumbers? ›

Size. The most obvious difference between Mini and co*cktail Cucumbers is their size. While you may think that Mini Cucumbers are the smallest variety of Cucumber, the smallest is actually the co*cktail Cucumber! co*cktail Cucumbers measure 2 1/2 inches long. Mini Cucumbers measure 4-6 inches long.

What's the difference between lemon cucumber and regular cucumber? ›

Lemon cucumber does not have a lemon taste, only color, but has a thin, tender skin with a flavor a little milder than a regular cucumber's. One great advantage to this cuke is that you can eat it all at one sitting with no half-cuke left to store in the fridge.

What does a vodka gimlet say about you? ›

If you usually opt for a Gimlet when you're at a bar, you'll most likely pride yourself on being open and honest to those around you. You are confident in your own decisions, trust your judgement and make great friends because of your straight-talking approach and stabilising force.

What is the difference between a vodka Gibson and a gimlet? ›

2) Gibson is a co*cktail made with vodka and vermouth, while a Gimlet is a co*cktail made with vodka and lime juice.

How do you order a gimlet at a bar? ›

How to order: for many co*cktails, you don't need to ask for them up, as they will be served that way automatically. But you may want to in case you're not sure, or just to cover your bases. "I'd like a vodka Gimlet, up" is sufficient. You can further specify what glass you'd prefer if you like.

What is Chambord in a drink? ›

Chambord is the brand name for a famous French black raspberry liqueur with a cognac base. This premium spirit is enjoyed worldwide as a fruity staple in the modern bar because it's essential in several favorite co*cktails.

Is Hendricks gin infused with cucumber? ›

HENDRICK'S is an unusual gin created from eleven fine botanicals. The curious, yet marvellous, infusions of rose & cucumber imbue our spirit with its uniquely balanced flavour resulting in an unimpeachably smooth and distinct gin.

What is a Jamie drink? ›

The drink in Jamie's jug is called Yakutou (薬湯), an herbal tea instead of alcohol. Matsumoto followed up by calling it "a special drink" and everyone in the room started laughing. He was designed to contrast Luke's more muscular physique with a slender figure.

What's the difference between a daiquiri and a gimlet? ›

The gimlet is a fascinating blend of flavors and stories. A gimlet is to gin what a daiquiri is to rum, since they are both made using a simple mixture of a spirit, lime juice, and sugar.

What is the name for a co*cktail made from vodka and orange juice? ›

A screwdriver is a simple and popular alcoholic highball drink made with orange juice and vodka. In the UK, it is referred to as a "vodka and orange".

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Fredrick Kertzmann

Last Updated:

Views: 6062

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (66 voted)

Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Fredrick Kertzmann

Birthday: 2000-04-29

Address: Apt. 203 613 Huels Gateway, Ralphtown, LA 40204

Phone: +2135150832870

Job: Regional Design Producer

Hobby: Nordic skating, Lacemaking, Mountain biking, Rowing, Gardening, Water sports, role-playing games

Introduction: My name is Fredrick Kertzmann, I am a gleaming, encouraging, inexpensive, thankful, tender, quaint, precious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.