Cucumber Mint Cocktail: Fresh Summer Cocktail

This Cucumber Mint Gin Cocktail with elderflower liqueur is fresh, crisp and made for summer.

Cucumber mint cocktail in a coupe cocktail glass, garnished with a ribbon of cucumber.

Garden cucumbers and fresh mint are muddled with lemon juice and St. Germain elderflower liqueur, then shaken with gin for a crisp, refreshing cocktail with just the right amount of sweetness.

And if your garden is currently handing you cucumbers faster than you can eat them, I have the perfect solution for you. Cocktail hour.

The real trick is the muddle. Let the cucumber, mint, lemon juice, and that first pour of St. Germain sit together for a few minutes before you shake. That resting time is where all the flavor actually happens. Rush it and you will just have a fine drink. Give it a minute and you will have a great one.

The Story Behind This Cucumber Gin Cocktail

This one started with Jeff, my hubby. This summer he has been deep in a cucumber cocktail phase. Every time we were out and he spotted one on a menu, he ordered it. No hesitation, no menu debate, just cucumber cocktail, every time.

So naturally, I took that as a challenge. He didn’t actually ask me to recreate one at home, but he was pretty pleasantly surprised when one suddenly appeared in front of him.

After a little playing around, this combination of cucumber, mint, lemon, gin, and St. Germain was the winner. It’s fresh, not overly sweet, and such a good way to use up those garden cucumbers and mint that are going a little wild this time of year.

Why You’ll Love This Cucumber Mint Cocktail

It’s incredibly fresh. Muddling cucumber and mint releases all that garden flavor right into the cocktail.

It’s easy to make. No homemade simple syrup or complicated prep needed.

It’s the perfect summer entertaining cocktail. You can muddle the cucumber mixture ahead of time and let those flavors hang out until cocktail hour.

And the St. Germain does a lot of the work here. Its subtle elderflower flavor pairs so well with cucumber, mint, lemon and gin without overpowering any of them.

Ingredients for a Cucumber Mint Gin Cocktail

All the ingredients in a cucumber mint cocktail on a wooden surface with white text next to each ingredient.

Fresh cucumber: Garden cucumbers are perfect here. Use a firm, fresh cucumber because we’re using its juice and flavor as the cocktail’s base.
Fresh mint: Cucumber and mint just belong together. Use fresh mint leaves and save a few sprigs for garnish.
Fresh lemon juice: The acidity balances the cucumber and St. Germain and keeps the cocktail bright.
St. Germain elderflower liqueur: Adds a slightly floral sweetness that works beautifully with cucumber and gin.
Gin: Choose a gin you enjoy drinking. A clean, botanical gin works especially well with the cucumber, mint, and elderflower.
Club soda: Adds a light, refreshing fizz to finish the cocktail and keep it crisp.
Ice: Plenty of it for a really cold shake.

How to Make a Cucumber Mint Gin Cocktail

Add the fresh cucumber, mint, and lemon juice to a small bowl. Cut the cucumber in half or into quarters, depending on its size, then muddle it with the mint and lemon juice, gently pressing to release the juices and flavor.

Cut cucumber, mint, elderflower liqueur and lemon juice in a gold bowl with a muddler in the bowl.

Here’s where a little patience pays off. If you have time, let the muddled mixture sit for about 10 to 15 minutes so the cucumber and mint can fully infuse.

Strain the mixture into a clean glass, pressing gently to extract as much liquid as possible.

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the cucumber juice, gin, St. Germain, and plenty of ice.

Shake until the cocktail is very cold, then strain into a coupe glass.

Garnish with a cucumber ribbon or slice and a fresh sprig of mint.

Cabin Tip: Add A Frothy Top

If you like a little froth on top, add an egg white to the shake, or use this handy little bottle that gives a frothy top with just one or two drops.
Here’s the link > https://amzn.to/45nNNfP

Cucumber Mint Cocktail FAQs

What gin is best for a cucumber cocktail?

I love Hendrick’s gin, so I recommend using a gin with fresh botanical or citrus notes rather than something extremely juniper-forward. The goal is to complement the cucumber, mint, and elderflower, not cover them up.

Do I need to peel the cucumber?

Not necessarily. If your cucumber has thin, tender skin, leave it on. If you’re using a larger cucumber with thick or waxy skin, peeling it will give the cocktail a cleaner flavor and texture.

Can I Make Cucumber Gin Cocktails Ahead of Time?

Yes, and this is a great cocktail to get started before guests arrive.
Muddle the cucumber, mint, lemon juice, and St. Germain, then cover and refrigerate. Letting it sit helps develop that cucumber-mint flavor.
When you’re ready to serve, add the gin and ice, shake and strain.
For a party, you can also make a larger batch of the cucumber mixture ahead of time and keep it chilled, then shake individual cocktails as guests are ready.

Can I make this a mocktail?

Absolutely. Muddle the cucumber and mint with fresh lemon juice and a little elderflower cordial, then top with sparkling water or club soda for a refreshing cucumber mint mocktail.

More Summer Sipping

If your garden or your farmers market run left you with more cucumbers and mint than you know what to do with, this drink is the answer. And if you are already deep into summer cocktail mode, do not stop here. My Peach Thyme Spritz is the move for lazy porch nights, and if you want something with a little heat, my Spicy Mango Margarita will not disappoint.

Basically, if it is summer and it involves something fresh from the yard and a good pour, I have probably already made it into a cocktail. That is just how I operate around here.

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